There are no guarantees the 32-year-old Newton could be a long-term answer. The good is the franchise cutting ties with Matt Rhule, with the bad being the injuries that have begun to mount at quarterback. However, the standard of quarterback play around the NFL this season makes it hard to fathom why former Carolina Panthers icon Cam Newton has been seemingly forgotten. Those boil down to either Fix Darnold or Get Someone New or, more likely, trying to do both at the same time. His return was well-highlighted after the first couple of. Those issues haven't magically been fixed just because the team signed Cam Newton, they've just been kicked down the road. Cam Newton passes during a game against the New Orleans Saints in the wild card round of the NFL playoffs at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Sunday, January 7, 2018 in New Orleans, LA. Goodbye again, Cam. Even if he lands up against the Panthers this season, chances are low that he will start games for them. The Panthers rank second in the NFL in total defense, fourth in third-down percentage, and sixth in sacks remarkable improvements over a year ago. In the context of the organizational changes noted above, the spring of 2020 quickly becamean ideal time to cut ties. Newton was part of building something special. The Panthers named Sam Darnold as the starter with Newton as his primary backup. Where is Cam Newton now? Fans still worship their hero and rightfully so after everything he gave the Panthers on and off the field, but its been a quick path to relative obscurity for the player since Rhule went back on his initial word and released the No. Carolina earned high marks in several key areas in survey, which rated various aspects of players' experience from strength coaches and the locker room to treatment of families. Read what head coach Frank Reich said to the media during his press conference at the Combine on Wednesday. Sunday will likely be the last time Cam Newton suits up as a Carolina Panther; his contract expires at the end of the season. And with the way their defense is currently playing, raising the level on offense makes them a more difficult matchup in November and December. Free agent quarterback Cam Newton hasn't signed with a team yet, but it's not for lack of offers. Newton won't start for Carolina in Week 17. The one-year deal is worth up to $10 million . This has led to questions from fans and media alike. Theres absolutely no getting away from that. He will always be revered in the Carolinas. Instead of opting for Newton, there are many options available, with Justin Fields, Jameis Winston, Tua Tagovailoa, and Trevor Lawrence. It's uncertain if the injury was exacerbated by playing against New England or if the team simply became aware of it following the loss. This reminds me of Cam Newton in his prime. But this isn't about the years to come, or the things he's done in the past. View photos from Cam Newton's career in Carolina from his rookie year in 2011 through 2019. The Panthers signed their quarterback to a one-year deal on Thursday, setting him up to take over quarterback duties for the remainder of the season. The move allows the . That kind of self-doubt is not what we're used to hearing from Newton. Asked which quarterbacks he emulates, he pointed to the Ravens' 2019 unanimous MVP and former Panthers MVP Cam Newton. Its been a chaotic week for Carolina Panthers fans in both good and bad ways. Newton was released Tuesday just a week after the Panthers announced they had given the 30-year-old . Panthers fans cannot wait to see their favorite QB play this season. May 25, 2022 9:12 AM EDT When the Panthers brought back Cam Newton last season, it was never a long-term play. Newtonimmediately becamefree to sign with another team as a free agent. "I see a lot of guys come up on the stage or the podium in a coward's way, directly or indirectly," he said. Still, I would have liked to have seen that curtain call, and I would like to see Newton do something special Sunday so he can go out with a bang rather than a whimper. I dont think so. Nicknamed "Super Cam", he is the NFL leader in quarterback rushing touchdowns and second in quarterback rushing yards.Newton had a college football stint at Florida before joining Auburn . (Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports - via Reuters). That deal, if it comes, will probably be elsewhere as a backup. View photos of the Panthers taking on Tampa Bay in the 2021 home finale in Week 16. Three Pro Bowl selections. Newton's ability to run also matters, since the Panthers have tried to establish that as part of their identity in recent weeks. He said discipline is the key to countering . AP Photo/Stephan Savoia. So why is Cam so "Quentin-esque," you ask? After serving as a free agent for a few months, the Panthers took him in after their starting QB Sam Darnold sustained a shoulder injury mid-season. In that sense, he remains paired with Rivera, who was fired as Carolina's coach in December before taking the same job in Washington. . Your favorite teams, topics, and players all on your favorite mobile devices. Rhules attachment to Sam Darnold meant he was introduced quickly once medically cleared, something that brought little success as Carolina spiraled to a dismal end to the season. The NFL MVP of old is no longer and is in the past. At 4-5, the Panthers are still very much in the mix for one of the seven playoff spots available in the NFC. Eli Manning, Giants. Last year, the Panthers brought back quarterback Cam Newton for a second stint. Newton couldnt save the Panthers in 2021, no matter how hard he worked. IYER:Why the Redskins' rumored interest in Cam Newton makes sense. Injuries suck but thats the reality of the NFL. His most recent press conference came Dec. 26, after the last Tampa Bay game. . Though the quarterback said he gained some "closure" and learned a lot about himself over the past. Benched. According to Ian Rapoport on Friday, the Auburn Heisman winners injured foot is not getting better, and that playing football is a long way off.. Newton had gotten benched in that 32-6 loss and stood alone at the 25-yard line for most of the fourth quarter, hands clasped behind his back, watching the rest of the contest. It will feel unfair Sunday, when the quarterback almost certainly closes the door on Cam Newton 2.0 with the Panthers in Tampa Bay (4:25 p.m. kickoff, CBS). ", By the end of his 17 minutes at the podium, Newton was asked if this felt like a goodbye, and he replied: "Nah, it don't feel like that. "The truth is, I wasn't good enough today. But the player didnt do enough to completely remove Darnold from the equation and has been searching for a new home ever since. The Panthers, for business reasons in what fundamentally is an entertainment business, were a good option. Peak Cam Newton was fun to watch but its been 5-6 years since hes been that guy. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. Should fans of the Panthers be nervous? Newton had the shortest leash of any Panthers quarterback. This second go-around, it's just unfortunate, because you put so much work into trying to find ways to win, building relationships along the way. 5:26 PM on Mar 2, 2023 CST. By playing Darnold in the home finale, the Panthers began looking forward, at a player who is under contract for next year. A total of 240 touchdowns. But the likelihood is he wont. And that's hard for a lot of people. (Photo by Melissa Melvin-Rodriguez). Only six had a higher passer rating than Newton's 103.7. Cam Newton, a former NFL MVP and first overall pick, may not be the quality starter he was a few years ago. The Carolina Panthers didn't wait long to put Cam Newton on the active roster. Sam Darnold is not yet fully healthy from a high-ankle sprain. Allow me to enumerate: 1. 1 overall pick fits the profile of a team that has been willing to move aggressively, including making 13 trades this calendar year alone. Support my work with a digital subscription, Panthers founder, former owner Jerry Richardson leaves behind a complicated legacy, A nervous Kevin Durant debuts for Phoenix in Charlotte. Hence the familiarity with former New Orleans backup quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, whom the Pantherssigned to a three-year contract worth $63 million in free agency last week. Newton is Carolina's all-time leader in nearly every quarterback statistical category. Sunday, Newton was 7-of-13 for 61 yards and an interception. Other underperforming quarterbacks around the league three of whom have turned out for Carolina in recent seasons still get countless chances to prove themselves while hes left on the outside looking in. Scott Fitterer told #PFTPM that Newton could possibly return again to the Panthers. The Panthers are in the midst of a historic down cycle theyve never had four losing seasons in a row until now. #Panthers QB Cam Newton hasnt played since mid-September & his sprained foot is not getting better. The Panthers head coach knows that is complicated since they're picking ninth, but made it clear his preference would be to find a rookie quarterback and build. Well see what happens as the season winds down, but I think theres a very high chance Newtons days as the starting quarterback for the Carolina Panthers are over. Kyle Allen has looked very solid in replacement duty. So why are Barnes and Newton similar in this category? Only five had a higher completion percentage. After that, the flashes of Newton were minimal at best. And now he's in this spot. Thats fine. The former Auburn sensation has a good relationship with plenty of personnel within the organization and roster, which could also assist. Cant wait to see what outfits he wears in retirement. Everyone else is about like us. Scott Fitterer told #PFTPM that Newton could possibly return again to the Panthers. It seemed most people had a take or a theory ready about why head coach Bill Belichick. It may feel like "only a few of us" but the vast majority of sane panthers fans loved Cam . The arm isnt what it once was. Tepper gave Rhule, who had no NFL head-coaching experience, a seven-year contract worth up to $70 million. "That's why the Panthers . Placed on IR (foot) Matthew Stafford, Lions. BOSTON (CBS) -- Two weeks ago, a euphoric Cam Newton shouted to the world that he was back. Carolina Panthers news fromFanSided Daily, 4 Panthers players who havent matched offseason hype in 2022, 4 changes making a big difference for Panthers under Steve Wilks, didnt rule out the prospect of Newton coming back, reportedly willing to accept on the right franchise, 4 former Panthers players that should follow Jeff Saturday's lead, Bowling Green vs. Toledo Prediction, Odds, Spread and Over/Under for College Football Week 12, Watch: Carolina Panthers legend tackles insane military obstacle course, Robbie Anderson aiming to put Panthers nightmare behind him, 3 reasons why the Dallas Cowboys should call Cam Newton. And clearly, the opportunity is there for this to make a significant impact. An NFL MVP award. It did before Newton burst onto the scene and will thrive long after hes gone. As long as you can win with Kyle Allen, the Panthers simply cant take him off of the field. . The Panthers (4-5) announced they've agreed to a one-year contact with Newton, bringing him. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. Cam Newton during the Carolina Panthers game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on October, 29, 2017, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. Even if Newton is well past his prime and no longer the same player he was four years ago. Carolina Panthers celebrate after defeating the Arizona Cardinals to win the NFC Conference Championship. The top pick in 2011 was an obvious choice for general manager Marty Hurney and first-year coach Ron Rivera because Heisman Trophy-winning Auburn quarterback Cam Newton was sitting atopthe board and waiting to save the Panthers. For more information, please read our Legal Disclaimer. Rookie Matt Corral is also out for the season with a Lisfranc foot injury. Newton stands to make $500,000 for each playoff win in which he plays at least 50 percent of the game; $1.5 million if Carolina reaches the Super Bowl and he plays 50 percent of the offensive snaps; and a $1 million bonus if selected the Super Bowl MVP. They want to win now, they want to win this year, and they want to win next year. But he could certainly be one of the league's more valuable backups. It sold tickets and created excitement. "My job is to try to win right now," Panthers head coach Matt Rhule said Wednesday afternoon. The Ohio State product feels good about his ability as a passer and extending plays with his legs, but he's just as willing to put in the work to grow at the next level. Smith runs second-fastest 40 by DL since 03, Saleh compares Carr to Stafford pre-Rams trade, Allen to be ready to roll for offseason program, How to maximize leverage of No. If Newton plays well this season, he would become the favorite to be Carolina's starting quarterback in 2022.". With Allen playing solid and Newton being so bad over his past eight starts, the Panthers are much better off without the former dual-threat star on the field. Hes looked much better than I think anybody could have anticipated. Walking into an offense with talented targets such as Christian McCaffrey and DJ Moore and Robby Anderson could allow for a quick transition, and the familiarity with the first two can only help. . Newton started in five games but could not lead his side to a single victory. While it might be hard to admit, Newton is at the end of his career. NFL FREE AGENCY:Notable moves | Winners &losers | Grades. You guessed it. The Panthers did not lose faith in their former QB and gave him a chance to start a few games last season. The David and Nicole Tepper Foundation supported the first-of-its-kind in Mecklenburg County project, which offers urgent care for behavioral health needs. Days after signing the franchise's all-time passing leader, Newton is active for Carolina in his return to the. "There are four teams in the NFC with more than six wins. The quarterback reportedly suffered the injury in a win vs. the Falcons, but played through it the following week in a loss to the Patriots. Newton brought much-needed energy to a Panthers team (5-5) that had lost five of its past six games and faced long odds against the Cardinals, who entered the day with an NFL-best 8-1 record. Newton is not wanted by the Panthers and other NFL teams because he is a locker room cancer. Cam Newton contract details: How much is Panthers QB making in 2021. Despite the firing of coach Rhule, what could the franchise do to boost fan morale and bring them back to Bank of America Stadium? For two years Newton was an embattled quarterback dealing with an ongoing foot injury got him benched by Panthers in 2019, after he led to the Super 50 and earned the 2015 NFL MVP award that. This story was originally published January 9, 2022, 6:45 AM. As for the busy quarterback market during NFL free agency, itonly compoundedissues forthe Panthers as they searched for a trade partner. But that hasnt stopped the NFL from forgetting about what a dynamic figure prime Cam Newton was at the peak of his powers in the hope others with fewer credentials can pick themselves up off the canvas. Incumbent starter Baker Mayfield suffered a similar injury and is expected to be out for the next few weeks. Why Cam Newton isn't starting for the Panthers in Week 10 vs. Cardinals, Why Cam Newtonis returning to Panthers for a second act, Why the Cam Newton-Panthers reunion is a bad idea for Carolina. Nothing lasts forever and father time waits for no man. A Super Bowl appearance. Remember when he got destroyed in the Super Bowl and the narrative was, he WILL be back and multiple times? There was so much potential for the Heisman Trophy winner to be one of the more successful players the league has ever seen. "I don't necessarily know what the future holds," he said. Remember when he got destroyed in the Super Bowl and the narrative was, he WILL be back and multiple times? ", As with his entire career, and recent press conferences, this one contained multitudes. There was very little attention given to the former Carolina Panther this offseason. NowNewton's Panthers tenure is over after nine years. He has big-play ability," Jones said. Their rookie quarterback Matt Corral has sustained a Lisfranc injury and Sam Darnold's ankle sprain might keep him away from some games. Yeah, that kid warming up in the commercial laughs at that too. A post shared by Cam Newton (@cameron1newton) on Aug 27, 2019 at 10:23am PDT. And this team moving forward wants to win. Since then, Newton has been out of work. Bringing back the former No. There is a lot of confusion going on among fantasy football players on whether to keep Newton on their fantasy roster. Cam Newton visits the Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club on Marsh Road on November 12, 2018. Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 1, 2019. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images) Cam Newton. But he also mentioned the year before he arrived in Charlotte, when the Panthers went 2-14 in 2010, which set the stage for them to choose him first overall. In his last four games, he has a combined passer rating of 44.5, with a touchdown and five interceptions. "I don't know what the future holds," Newton said. One quarterback that wasn't expected to be released on Tuesday was former Panther, Cam Newton. His interests finally aligned with another team's when Carolina saw a sudden, glaring need for a proven veteran quarterback. Newton signed a one-year deal with the team worth up to $10 million, including $4.5 million fully guaranteed and a $1.5 million roster bonus, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Thursday.. But while the 44-year-old Brady never seems to age, Newton has looked a like a man whose play is not what it was. He was an awesome college QB carrying a team that had no other players make the NFL to a national title; however, his star sure has fallen in the NFL. Inaugural Keep Pounding High School Classic features Northwestern High School and Providence Day School. The trade for Baker Mayfield likely slams that door shut. Realistically, this idea may not become reality. "Growing up, that guy was always Cam Newton for me. However, there's a reason a player who once dragged a team to 15-1 and a Super Bowl appearance with Ted Ginn and Devin Funchess as his top targets can't get a job: his health. The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. That's always been the guy I looked up to." When asked if he is a better thrower of the football coming out of college than . He stood by on the sideline as Darnold played the late stages, watching helplessly as the game perhaps his last one here ended. While the Panthers have PJ Walker and just-signed backup Matt Barkley on hand, the addition of Newton brings experience to an offense that already has plenty of weapons. But that would have felt gratuitous, Rhule said later, intimating that Newton wanted no part of such a gesture. In 2020, Newton signed a one-year deal with the Patriots and started all 15 games as their leading quarterback. Carolina listed Darnold out for 4-6 weeks but, according to a report from ESPN, is operating as if Darnold is out for the year. Lots of teams right now in the NFL are trying to figure out how to get past .500, and have a good year and win in the second half of the year. Arriving so late and learning on the fly were significant obstacles to overcome. For Newton, there wasn't going to be a fairytale ending. Just after he signed a one-year contract with the Carolina Panthers, his original NFL team, quarterback Cam Newton held a press conference. You feel like damn, are you good enough?". Why has the NFL seemingly forgotten about former Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton despite some suspect play around the league? He has played for 11 seasons, primarily with the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League (NFL). Newton reportedly signed to a one-year, $10 million contract a deal that simultaneously recognizes Newton's value to the team in the short term while still prioritizing Darnold in 2022 and beyond. In 2021, Newton lost his starting QB seat in the Patriots to Mac Jones and was later released by them. When it was over, Newton quickly ran to midfield and hugged Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady, just a couple of former league MVPs greeting each other after a game. Newton surely cravedan extension he publicly requested "a little commitment" in a NSFW Instagram video a few weeks ago and the Panthers were not willing to add years and dollars to the contract of a 30-year-old quarterback whose last two seasons were marred by injuries (more on those later), especially as they transitioned to a new offense. Photograph: Joe Camporeale/USA Today Sports The quarterback was one of the most feared players in the league. MORE: Why Cam Newtonis returning to Panthers for a second act. CHARLOTTE, N.C Jerry Richardson, the Carolina Panthers founder and for years one of the NFL's most influential owners until a scandal forced him to sell the team . Under the ownership of David Tepper, who purchased the team in 2018 amid allegations of sexual misconduct on the part of former owner and team founder Jerry Richardson, Carolina is experiencing a complete organizational overhaul. In 2020, there was a spot open for the leading quarterback at the Patriots after seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady left for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Friday was a walkthrough, and Saturday was slightly more intense. The. With every passing week and with every win under Kyle Allen, I begin to think my theory is correct. That may be why New England cut him rather than opting to keep him as a cheap and useful backup for then-rookie Mac Jones. Newton is not listed on the team's depth chart as of Sunday: P.J. The Panthers defeated the Cardinals 49-15. But Newton had been dealing with shoulder issues throughout 2018, and the Panthers finally shut him down after a Week 15 performance against the Saints in which he completed 16 of 29 passes for 131 yards, no touchdowns and one interception. It sold tickets and created excitement. Newton was a free agent because the Patriots surprisingly cut him Aug. 31. Also, later in this article, fantasy football lovers will get to know whether Newton should be in their 2022 fantasy football draft. So Newton is about to leave the Panthers for good, as a backup, on the road. Carolina simply could not carry bothcontracts at the same time. They dont treat black mobile QBs like QBs, Justin Fields run and slide and is hit again, The Mayor of Trey Town, PlumDawg Millionaire. Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton screams as he runs out of the smoke during player introductions at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC on Sunday, November 21, 2021. They gave him the opportunity to not only win the starting job for the. 1 draft pick, The door likely slams shut on Cam Newton, with the Panthers or any team, Report: Derek Carr wants $35 million per year, The Raiders are the betting favorites to land Aaron Rodgers, Mike McCarthy: Kellen Moore wants to light the scoreboard up, I want to run the damn ball, ESPN reiterates report that Lamar Jackson wants a fully-guaranteed deal, Arrest warrant issued for Jalen Carter for reckless driving, racing, Aaron Rodgers says hell make a decision soon enough, Competition Committee begins to explore the quarterback push play, Players say Chiefs discourage them from reporting injuries, have NFLs worst training staff, Report: Jalen Carter was present at teammates fatal crash, misled police about it. According to Ian Rapoport on Friday, the Auburn Heisman winner's injured foot is "not getting better," and that "playing football is a long way off." Cam Newton has always had one of the biggest personalities in the NFL. Hes done. But even while trying to keep it from sounding like a benediction, the Panthers quarterback gave the impression he wasn't sure he'd ever pass this way again. quarterback Cam Newton got Richardson to dab during . Ended with a 85.2 QBR. Is hard reset only way to salvage Jets QB dilemma? Including Cam Newton. "The guy makes big catches. After he suffered several injuries, the Panthers released him in March 2020. Cam Newton gives away a football and bracelet to fans during a week 8 game against the Baltimore Ravens at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, October 28, 2018. Cam Newton and Thomas Davis travel for their game against Washington on Saturday, Oct. 13, 2018. The Panthers' all-time leading passer quickly became the most important player in franchise history given thenational relevance he brought to a small-market team that was established just 25 years ago. The founder and former owner of the Panthers passed away on Wednesday night. A good bet, though, given how messy his breakup with the Panthers became: Don't be surprised ifCarolina's list of 2020 opponents is a factor in Newton's next move. Newton has been a free agent since August. Before serving as the Tigers' passing game coordinator in 2019, Brady spent two years with the Saints as an offensive assistant. Christian McCaffrey celebrates a touchdown with Cam Newton against the Seattle Seahawks at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, November 25, 2018. His impact is still being felt today off the field. Newtons body has diminished and he is not the same player. All the teams in the NFL have named their 53-man roster, and Newton is not on any of those lists. I loved his energy and he was so fun to watch. Head coach Frank Reich and general manager Scott Fitterer plan on speaking with the veteran quarterback again next week after Tuesday's meeting in Indianapolis. He was 86 . The addition ofBridgewater'scontractledto the release of Newton. Then again, these Panthers don't exactly operate using rational thinking and conventional wisdom. It didnt go well for Hornets, Galen Youngs family upset after the woman who caused his death gets no prison time, At age 72, Dom Capers looks back and forward as he rejoins the Carolina Panthers, An astonishing legacy: Steve Joyner has coached basketball for 45 years at J.C. Smith, An island of misfit toys: Reich and original Panthers had unforgettable year in 1995, Cam Newton deserved a better ending than what the Carolina Panthers gave him, What Matt Rhule said about his job security with Panthers, not playing Cam Newton more, Bucs 41, Panthers 17: Instant reaction as Carolina loses 7th straight to end season, Panthers will pick 6th in the NFL draft. Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio believes there are reasons for that, and it's not exactly that he's not able to play anymore: No former NFL MVP would ever likely admit that they couldn't start somewhere, so it's no surprise that the quarterback maintains his belief that he could start. Something he was reportedly willing to accept on the right franchise. That scenario eventually revealed itself to beimpossible. "Today was just a walkthrough. emotional return to Bank of America Stadium. Cam Newton celebrates a touchdown during a game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, November 26, 2017. Cam Newton passes against the Minnesota Vikings at Bank of American Stadium on Sunday, December 10, 2017 in Charlotte, NC. The Patriots, even after losing Brady, opted against a move as aggressive as trading for Newton. Cam Newton runs out of the tunnel during pregame against the Green Bay Packers at Bank of American Stadium on Sunday, December 16, 2017 in Charlotte, NC. What makes it so . On Sunday, Cam was benched. Whether or not Cam Newton can save the Carolina Panthers' sinking season remains to be seen. ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that Newton could potentially earn the right to challenge for the Panthers' starting role in 2022: "But more importantly, Newton will have a chance to cement his status as Carolina's starter for the remainder of this year and potentially the 2022 season as well, sources told ESPN.