Everyone else is about like us. "With the arrival of the Panthers in 1995, he changed the . Only five had a higher completion percentage. The Cam Newton experiment and reunion mostly bombed for the Carolina Panthers last season, enough to the point that one would rationally believe the team would have less than zero interest in bringing him back in 2022. Cam has been terrible for some time. Cant wait to see what outfits he wears in retirement. 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. At 4-5, the Panthers are still very much in the mix for one of the seven playoff spots available in the NFC. 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. (Photo by Melissa Melvin-Rodriguez). Benched. The Panthers are in trouble again this season. Eli Manning, Giants. 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. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images) Cam Newton. That it just so happened to be the franchise's top signal-caller of all time was a coincidence. And with the additions of kicker Zane Gonzalez and punter Lachlan Edwards and improved coverage teams, the special teams units have improved significantly over the course of the season. Build your customFanSided Daily email newsletter with news and analysis onCarolina Panthers and all your favorite sports teams, TV shows, and more. On Friday, shortly after he . His return was well-highlighted after the first couple of weeks, including an emotional return to Bank of America Stadium in a loss to the then-Washington Football Team. Cam was not a good fit in NE and that experience ruined him. And clearly, the opportunity is there for this to make a significant impact. He made the Carolina Panthers relevant and impacted so many young fans and athletes. Cam Newton has had more than a decade-long career, mostly with the Carolina Panthers. Really, no one could this team was too far gone. His shoulder took a huge hit from TJ Watt and it was never the same. Even if he lands up against the Panthers this season, chances are low that he will start games for them. Scott Fitterer told #PFTPM that Newton could possibly return again to the Panthers. A star with the Carolina Panthers earlier in his career, the former No. Newton left the Panthers after a nine-year career in Carolina, completing 59.6 percent of his passes for 29,041 yards and 182 touchdowns to 108 interceptions. That person is none other than Cam Newton. In just his second start this season for the franchise he led for nearly a decade, Newton was. 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. However until proven otherwise, I cant bring myself to that notion. Newton remains the best quarterback to ever play in Charlotte and is a total Panthers legend. The founder and former owner of the Panthers passed away on Wednesday night. He's choosing not to sign anywhere yet so he can make a fully informed decision about his future . "Hell, I want better.". "I don't know what the future holds," Newton said. 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. 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. Maybe a simple phone call to the former face of the franchise could do the trickagain. 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. He completed just 53.8 percent of his passes. Although his level of performance is at its lowest, he still believes he can outplay any QB in the league. Copyright 2023 Sporting News Holdings Limited. The Panthers, for business reasons in what fundamentally is an entertainment business, were a good option. The Bridgewater signing comes withcap number of $14 million for 2020, so with Newton included,the Panthers would have had$35.1 million on the books for a pair of quarterbacks, one of which was not in the plans for the future. There are no guarantees the 32-year-old Newton could be a long-term answer. Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) leaps over center Ryan Kalil (67) and Arizona Cardinals cornerback Justin Bethel (28) and strong safety Tony Jefferson (22) to score on a 12-yard touchdown run in the third quarter during the NFC Championship game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Jan 24, 2016. See video, posts and updates straight from Indianapolis as Panthers leaders speak to the media. Yeah, that kid warming up in the commercial laughs at that too. His career is over. Inaugural Keep Pounding High School Classic features Northwestern High School and Providence Day School. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. It has been a wonderful career that seems to have had an unfavorable culmination, one that fans will continue to ponder, what-if?. They made the playoffs in 2017 the fourth time Newton had gotten them there in a five-year span. The arm isnt what it once was. 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. All picks and predictions are suggestions only. 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. Email Scott at sfowler@charlotteobserver.com or call him at 704-358-5140, Get in-depth, sideline coverage of Charlotte area sports - only $1 a month. Then the Titans re-signed Ryan Tannehill to a long-term deal. While it might be hard to admit, Newton is at the end of his career. "Today was just a walkthrough. This was not the Cam Newton fans are used to seeing. The Panthers were impressed with the Alabama quarterback after meeting him this week, and they've acknowledged the possibility of trading up to get in position for him. He stood by on the sideline as Darnold played the late stages, watching helplessly as the game perhaps his last one here ended. Newton recently made the case to still be a starter. Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson speaks during a news conference for the NFL football team in Charlotte, N.C., Jan. 15, 2013. Cam Newton smiles against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, Nov 4, 2018. In 2020,. Incumbent starter Baker Mayfield suffered a similar injury and is expected to be out for the next few weeks. This team wants to win. How to find it. It didnt generate many wins. The distraction is not just welcome, it's intoxicating, and in two. He's experienced enough, and aware enough, to know what it sounded like. This has led to questions from fans and media alike. 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 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. 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. 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. The move allows the . 1 overall selection in 2011 when opportunities elsewhere were extremely limited. 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. Hell undoubtedly be back in the Panthers stadium to join the teams Hall of Honor in a few years and likely before that. Put a fork in him Hes done for good.He was destined to fail after he didnt try to recover that fumble in the Supe rBowl. The game failed him to a certain extent and when the time comes, the debate will be rife about whether or not his exploits deserve a place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. View photos of the Panthers taking on Tampa Bay in the 2021 home finale in Week 16. He said discipline is the key to countering . 1 overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft and the 2015 NFL MVP, is officially back in the black and blue. But that would have felt gratuitous, Rhule said later, intimating that Newton wanted no part of such a gesture. 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. Perhaps Newton is at peace with leaving the game behind. NFL.com reports Newton, if active, could play in a small package of plays. Cam Newton leaps in the air as he rushes the ball during the game against the Giants on Sun., Oct. 7, 2018. If Newton plays well this season, he would become the favorite to be Carolina's starting quarterback in 2022.". Newton hasn't played since the preseason, but if his performance as a member of the Patriots is any indication, he's easily the best quarterback on the team. His body looked worn down and deteriorated in terms of his athletic ability and natural talent. Benjamin has 21 catches, 329 yards and three TDs, an early candidate for Rookie of the Year. Newton set a standard for how the future quarterback should look and play. I know that. There was opportunities for us to move the ball.". Newtons body has diminished and he is not the same player. That kind of self-doubt is not what we're used to hearing from Newton. No team has shown any interest in signing him this year. Please logout and login again. I have a lot of respect for fans that believe that Newton can still play and help their team to victory. The recent tape doesnt lie, nostalgia the old Cam is still out there, we can fix him! does. 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, has died. (Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports) Cam Newton. My job is to try to win.". Newton, 32, played nine seasons for the Panthers from 2011-19. Newton is Carolina's all-time leader in nearly every quarterback statistical category. Cam Newton Casually Sitting In The William and Mary Student Section During Today's Homecoming Game Versus Delaware! Newton has tried to get back into the league after leaving the Patriots before the start of the season, even getting the COVID-19 vaccine to make himself more marketable to teams that may have a quarterback need. Translation: Carolina instantly became Rhule's team. Right now, 2023 NFL draft prospect Anthony Richardson is a self-salesman as much as he is a quarterbackeven if that means putting himself above his childhood idol. His performance at NE was always panic and flop sweat or improvising because he didnt know who the secondary receivers were or the routes. The Panthers are left with QB Baker Mayfield and PJ Walker. View photos from Cam Newton's career in Carolina from his rookie year in 2011 through 2019. This leaves P.J. Not a member? "I was able to walk away unscathed. For more information, please read our Legal Disclaimer. Through an odd set of circumstances, though, the Panthers then re-signed Newton 19 months later. Newton is not listed on the team's depth chart as of Sunday: P.J. Mosley noted the Panthers run distracting motions and shifts to pull defensive playmakers away from Newton's designed runs. Just finding a job was not enough for the 2015 NFL MVP, who was looking for the right fit to start or land a backup role within an organization that possessed legitimate chances of contending. Placed on IR (foot) Matthew Stafford, Lions. Cam Newton, after playing his ninth season with the Panthers, was released after suffering a series of injuries that led to him missing most of the game for the Panthers in 2019. His uniform will likely be clean, his dignity intact, his future uncertain. Panthers fans cannot wait to see their favorite QB play this season. Nothing lasts forever and father time waits for no man. With interim head coach Steve Wilks leading the way for a lowly organization, the current situation under center is not a favorable one, especially with the struggles of the Panthers passing game and the inability to convert third downs at a consistent rate. In his second start in his second stint with the Panthers, Newton. He was the preeminent alpha male in a locker room full of alpha males. Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton is reportedly not close to getting back on the football field. This reminds me of Cam Newton in his prime. Cam Newton runs for a touchdown during a game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, November 26, 2017. Trading a player who's technicallyinjured is difficult enough in a typical year. Together again pic.twitter.com/PXGaVTvvZX. The Patriots cut Newton, the N.F.L. So why are Barnes and Newton similar in this category? Read what head coach Frank Reich said to the media during his press conference at the Combine on Wednesday. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. Be the first one to comment on this story. As columnist Scott Fowler wrote today, this being Newton's last. Those issues haven't magically been fixed just because the team signed Cam Newton, they've just been kicked down the road. In the aftermath of the draft, G.M. And that's what he wants to do, that's where I am, and that's where this team is. Instead of opting for Newton, there are many options available, with Justin Fields, Jameis Winston, Tua Tagovailoa, and Trevor Lawrence. But there are only two he isn't willing to dismiss. Schefter reports he also has playoff-heavy incentives built into his contract. quarterback Cam Newton got Richardson to dab during . Theyre off the table for now, and they likely will be for all of the coming season barring very significant and unexpected changes. Newton has been absolutely horrendous in his last several starts. The Carolina Panthers didn't wait long to put Cam Newton on the active roster. Panthers Wire Panthers great Cam Newton honors late Jerry Richardson Panthers legend Cam Newton honored the late Jerry Richardson in a touching post on Friday morning. MORE: Why Cam Newtonis returning to Panthers for a second act. "That's why the Panthers . Darnold is under contract with the Panthers for 2022, after all. Last year, the Panthers brought back quarterback Cam Newton for a second stint. 's most valuable player in 2015, as they began paring their roster to the league-mandated 53 players before Tuesday's 4 p.m. deadline. "Jerry Richardson's contributions to professional football in the Carolinas are historic," Panthers owners David and Nicole Tepper said in a statement. Updated. But in the NFL it rarely happens that way. Speculation about teams not being keen on his big personality making things difficult for their starting option was asinine. According to a report from Ian Rapoport, Newton's contract is structured to give him $6 million in guaranteed money $4.5 million fully guaranteed and a $1.5 million roster bonus. Melissa Melvin-Rodriguez/Carolina Panthers, Melissa Melvin-Rodriguez/2015 Carolina Panthers, Melissa Melvin-Rodriguez/2017 Melissa Melvin-Rodriguez. 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. Charlotte still has a parade it wants to throw you. The visit to Dr. Anderson in Green Bay is to learn why his condition isnt improving, source said. When we presented the most ideal non-Panthers fits for Newton last month, we included the Titans, Chargers, Buccaneers and Patriots. Carolina is likely to sign a cheaper veteran quarterback and address the long-term future of the position via the 2023 NFL Draft. Cam Newton passes the ball against the Seattle Seahawks at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, November 25, 2018. The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. As I recall, Dan Marino also got destroyed in a Super Bowl. 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. One quarterback that wasn't expected to be released on Tuesday was former Panther, Cam Newton. 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. It did before Newton burst onto the scene and will thrive long after hes gone. An NFL MVP award. Tepper gave Rhule, who had no NFL head-coaching experience, a seven-year contract worth up to $70 million. Newton has started 139 games in the NFL, including 15 last year for the Patriots after his nine years in Charlotte, an era that included a Super Bowl run in 2015. Something he was reportedly willing to accept on the right franchise. Newton then played one season with the New. What makes it so . Just trying to make big . Be the first one to comment on this story. He never made excuses or complained about the inherent unfairness of life in the NFL. The Panthers on Thursday agreed to terms (pending a physical) with veteran quarterback Cam Newton, giving them an opportunity to stabilize their offense at a time when so many other things. He took more hits than any quarterback during his time and it wasn't particularly close. "Just trying to make big plays, just like Cam Newton and Lamar Jackson." Theres absolutely no getting away from that. Rookie Matt Corral is also out for the season with a Lisfranc foot injury. Fowler has earned 20 national APSE writing awards and hosted The Observers podcast Carruth, which Sports Illustrated named 2018s Podcast of the Year. His new podcast and online series is called Sports Legends of the Carolinas and features 1-on-1 interviews with NC and SC sports icons. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) The Carolina Panthers will meet with free agent quarterback Derek Carr this week at the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis, according to a person familiar with the . Paired with Rivera, Newtonended up doing just that. And it does feel unfair sometimes. You guessed it. That scenario eventually revealed itself to beimpossible. But the player didnt do enough to completely remove Darnold from the equation and has been searching for a new home ever since. Newton started in five games but could not lead his side to a single victory. Zac Al-Khateeb is a content producer for The Sporting News. Offensive rookie of the year. The Panthers are 4-5 through nine weeks of play and currently in last place in the NFC South behind the Buccaneers (6-2), Saints (5-3) and Falcons (4-4). Friday was a walkthrough, and Saturday was slightly more intense. Cameron Jerrell Newton (born May 11, 1989) is an American football quarterback who is a free agent. Endings usually arent tidy in the NFL. A less charitable reading says that the Saints dismissed Newton out of hand in favor of starting either Trevor Siemian or Taysom Hill.