"The Panthers met with former N.C. State and Wisconsin quarterback Russell Wilson this week and are exploring the possibility of adding a backup quarterback who would be a good fit in Rob Chudzinski's offense.

Cam Newton broke several records and earned a Pro Bowl berth as an alternate after taking nearly every snap as a rookie. Derek Anderson, Newton's backup in 2011, is an unrestricted free agent; Jimmy Clausen was inactive for every game last season after going 1-9 as a starter in 2010.

Anderson, who said he'd like to return to Carolina, has proven he can handle the passing portion of the scheme. He earned a Pro Bowl berth in 2007 with Cleveland when Chudzinski was the Browns' offensive coordinator.

But when Anderson saw his first action for the Panthers late in a win against Tampa Bay in Week 16, the offense looked a lot different with him under center. Besides the vertical throws, Chudzinski has added an option wrinkle to the attack to take advantage of Newton's skills.

"You have to look at it in those terms and say, 'How much does the offense change if (Newton) is in or if he's not in?' " Panthers coach Ron Rivera said at a Senior Bowl practice this week. "It's one of those things that you're going to discuss and talk about as we go forward."

Though not as prolific a runner as Newton in college, Wilson rushed for 1,421 career yards and 23 touchdowns, including nine during his final season with the Wolfpack."