Walker is listed as the starter, with Matt Barkley as the backup. "Jerry Richardson's contributions to professional football in the Carolinas are historic," Panthers owners David and Nicole Tepper said in a statement. 3 reasons Carolina's QB move became inevitable, Why the Redskins' rumored interest in Cam Newton makes sense, Why Cam Newton is the Patriots' best option to replace Tom Brady. Allow me to enumerate: 1. 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. It was a difficult situation for Newton. The one-year deal is worth up to $10 million . 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 are going well, and the playoffs are still a realistic possibility with nearly half the season remaining. This has led to questions from fans and media alike. It's something that has set him apart from other players. 5:26 PM on Mar 2, 2023 CST. Washington has a promising second-year passer in Dwayne Haskins and multiple options with the No. Cam Newton has always had one of the biggest personalities in the NFL. During his tenure with the Panthers, they routinely ignored the offensive line, opting to let Newton's evasive abilities and sheer size and strength offset the holes there. 10 turnovers in 2-game span. On the sideline, I had a moment where you look back over the year at guys who taught you, Newton said afterward. he may have beena leader and revered 10 yrs ago, but now he is looked at as a joke in the locker room, im sure the younger guys are like nice outfit boomer! It's an issue that has plagued Panthers quarterbacks since Newton, leading to injuries for several guys. Such savings areidealfor a franchise looking to rebuild its roster, but they became vital when the Panthers signed Bridgewater. Cam Newton and Thomas Davis travel for their game against Washington on Saturday, Oct. 13, 2018. If Newton plays well this season, he would become the favorite to be Carolina's starting quarterback in 2022.". The most pressing question now becomes whether Newton, who hasn't taken a snap since preseason, will be able to suit up against Arizona, let alone start. 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. Free agent quarterback Cam Newton hasn't signed with a team yet, but it's not for lack of offers. Teamscan't verify Newton's health status with their own evaluations, though he did pass a physical in Atlanta coordinated by the Panthers and his agency team. Mayfield may not be in the best position to shrug at Newtons presence on the depth chart, if the Panthers trade Sam Darnold. It is best to look for other alternatives for the QB2 position. Many times those are the same thing. USA TODAY Cam Newton's return to the Carolina Panthers has gone from triumphant to turbulent. Newton has been a free agent since August. ", 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. Newton is not wanted by the Panthers and other NFL teams because he is a locker room cancer. 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. The move might beshocking to those who havenot been monitoring recent developments in Carolina, but it had become an inevitability. And now he's in this spot. Sam Darnold will start and may play the whole game unless he gets hurt. Newton's ability to run also matters, since the Panthers have tried to establish that as part of their identity in recent weeks. The Panthers did not lose faith in their former QB and gave him a chance to start a few games last season. I like to think of Cam as the quarterback in his prime in Carolina who visited a dying boys Halloween party and brought an ice cream truck with him. At the time, Newton made it clear that he wanted to keep playing, but. Cam Newton leaps in the air as he rushes the ball during the game against the Giants on Sun., Oct. 7, 2018. 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. "Hell, I want better.". He suffered a Lisfranc injury on a sack that ultimately ended his time with the Panthers in the first go around. For Newton, there wasn't going to be a fairytale ending. Managed again by Hurney, who returned to the teamafter a five-year absence while Dave Gettleman served as GM, the Panthers on Tuesdaycut their 30-year-old franchise quarterback. Cam Newton carries the football during a game against the Miami Dolphins on Monday Night Football at Bank of America Stadium on Monday, November 13, 2017. 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. One quarterback that wasn't expected to be released on Tuesday was former Panther, Cam Newton. Come back and see us sometime. Cam Newton Casually Sitting In The William and Mary Student Section During Today's Homecoming Game Versus Delaware! Vincent Frank Former NFL MVP Cam Newton has not drawn much interest around the league leading up to Week 1. 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. 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. Sam Darnold is not yet fully healthy from a high-ankle sprain. 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. 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. 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. 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. There has been no parade down Tryon Street for Newton or these Panthers, who have lost six games in a row and are about to complete their fourth straight losing season. Newton isnt. The arm isnt what it once was. His interests finally aligned with another team's when Carolina saw a sudden, glaring need for a proven veteran quarterback. Cam Newton celebrates after a touchdown during the game against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018, at Bank of America Stadium. 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 Newton had an unusual 2021 season, with the Patriots surprisingly cutting him before the season, the Panthers surprisingly picking him up in the middle of the season, and sitting on the bench . Injuries suck but thats the reality of the NFL. I thought the Panthers should have stuck Newton out there for a play or two deep in the fourth quarter against Tampa Bay, then called timeout, brought him back off the field and let the fans applaud him. "No . Build your customFanSided Daily email newsletter with news and analysis onCarolina Panthers and all your favorite sports teams, TV shows, and more. Friday was a walkthrough, and Saturday was slightly more intense. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. They are bigger than most people who play that position. The Panther signed Cam Newton out of necessity after starting quarterback Sam Darnold was listed out for the foreseeable future with a fractured right shoulder blade. You guessed it. 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. 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. 1 overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft and the 2015 NFL MVP, is officially back in the black and blue. And with the way their defense is currently playing, raising the level on offense makes them a more difficult matchup in November and December. Theres absolutely no getting away from that. Schefter reports he also has playoff-heavy incentives built into his contract. 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. Because he won some games 7-10 seasons ago? 1 overall selection in 2011 when opportunities elsewhere were extremely limited. Instead of opting for Newton, there are many options available, with Justin Fields, Jameis Winston, Tua Tagovailoa, and Trevor Lawrence. Then again, these Panthers don't exactly operate using rational thinking and conventional wisdom. On Friday morning Newton released a 45 minute video titled "My Side Of The Story," where he sat down with his father, Cecil Newton Sr. to discuss his process of getting cut. Goodbye again, Cam. 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. Placed on IR (foot) Matthew Stafford, Lions. Newton talked about former teammates from his first stint here, calling a number of them by name and saying: "They understood what Keep Pounding meant.". The David and Nicole Tepper Foundation supported the first-of-its-kind in Mecklenburg County project, which offers urgent care for behavioral health needs. Copyright 2023 Sporting News Holdings Limited. He is currently a free agent and is looking for the right team to sign him up. Even if he lands up against the Panthers this season, chances are low that he will start games for them. Rivera and his staff, tight end Greg Olsen, guard Trai Turner, safety Eric Reid and even longtime special teams ace Colin Jones can help explainwhy the Panthers are lettingNewton walk. 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. He will always be revered in the Carolinas. That person is none other than Cam Newton. . Though the quarterback said he gained some "closure" and learned a lot about himself over the past. They made the playoffs in 2017 the fourth time Newton had gotten them there in a five-year span. The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. That it just so happened to be the franchise's top signal-caller of all time was a coincidence. That doesn't necessarily mean Newton won't play, though. A star with the Carolina Panthers earlier in his career, the former No. The good is the franchise cutting ties with Matt Rhule, with the bad being the injuries that have begun to mount at quarterback. Dude is more interested in how he looks at post game press conference than on the field. 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. Chances are low that Newton will return to the league this year, so drafting him into your fantasy team does not sound like a good idea. Arriving so late and learning. 1. "I see a lot of guys come up on the stage or the podium in a coward's way, directly or indirectly," he said. There is a lot of confusion going on among fantasy football players on whether to keep Newton on their fantasy roster. 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. Sunday will likely be the last time Cam Newton suits up as a Carolina Panther; his contract expires at the end of the season. Cam Newton, a former NFL MVP and first overall pick, may not be the quality starter he was a few years ago. Newton has been absolutely horrendous in his last several starts. 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. Cam Newton and Jonathan Stewart celebrate a touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings at Bank of American Stadium on Sunday, December 10, 2017 in Charlotte, NC. He never made excuses or complained about the inherent unfairness of life in the NFL. With injuries mounting at the quarterback position, could the Carolina Panthers consider giving a call to their former franchise quarterback Cam Newton? 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. What would have been much more fitting for Newton: a home game, a win, a fine performance and a ride into the sunset. The Panthers are in the midst of a historic down cycle theyve never had four losing seasons in a row until now. Newton, who finished 21 of 37 for 233 yards with one touchdown and an early interception in the red zone, said he doesn't know why the Panthers can't win close games. But he could certainly be one of the league's more valuable backups. (Kirby Lee/NFL). Carolina Panthers celebrate after defeating the Arizona Cardinals to win the NFC Conference Championship. 1 pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, a selection Carolina had acquired after finishing2010with a 2-14 record. May 25, 2022 9:12 AM EDT When the Panthers brought back Cam Newton last season, it was never a long-term play. Incumbent starter Baker Mayfield suffered a similar injury and is expected to be out for the next few weeks. As columnist Scott Fowler wrote today, this being Newton's last. He's experienced enough, and aware enough, to know what it sounded like. The Panthers are cutting him loose. Your login session has expired. Its been complicated at times, but overall its been a blast. Inconsistency at the quarterback position and erratic play have plagued the Carolina Panthers since Cam Newton's departure. Cam was not a good fit in NE and that experience ruined him. I don't want to sound like I'm retiring, but, I've had some great memories. Not a member? Be the first one to comment on this story. MORE: Why Cam Newtonis returning to Panthers for a second act. 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. emotional return to Bank of America Stadium. Updated. 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. He has authored or co-authored eight books, including four about the Carolina Panthers. He has played for 11 seasons, primarily with the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League (NFL). and even when the offense messed a play up, Cam would turn it in to a 15yd gain. MORE: Why the Cam Newton-Panthers reunion is a bad idea for Carolina. 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. Their rookie quarterback Matt Corral has sustained a Lisfranc injury and Sam Darnold's ankle sprain might keep him away from some games. That's what they were hoping for when they spent the entire 2020 NFL Draft and significant resources in free agency and trades to bring in players such as Haason Reddick and Stephon Gilmore. Everyone else is about like us. But it has been mostly potholes and roadblocks since. Sports columnist Scott Fowler has written for The Charlotte Observer since 1994. 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. 2023 Minute Media - All Rights Reserved. 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. The Panthers, for business reasons in what fundamentally is an entertainment business, were a good option. While it might be hard to admit, Newton is at the end of his career. Greg Olsen and Cam Newton celebrate a touchdown during a game against the Green Bay Packers at Bank of American Stadium on Sunday, December 16, 2017 in Charlotte, NC. CHARLOTTE Everyone has a plan. You likely do, too, just to see what would happen next. Translation: Carolina instantly became Rhule's team. A less charitable reading says that the Saints dismissed Newton out of hand in favor of starting either Trevor Siemian or Taysom Hill. Here are the best players to fit their needs, The Carolina Panthers will lose their voice tonight, and with it leaves a legacy, Panthers-Buccaneers live updates: Tom Brady, Tampa Bay shred Carolina in season finale, Cam Newtons last game with the Panthers shows, once again, that the NFL isnt fair, More than 20 Panthers could play their last games today. Yeah, that kid warming up in the commercial laughs at that too. Cam Newton visits various locations around Charlotte during his annual Santa Cam's Surprise Sleigh on Tuesday, December 11, 2018. And just as quickly as New England cut him, he's back in action, though Panthers coach Matt Rhule said Friday it's "not very likely" Newton plays. The native son of the Carolinas brought football to his home region, changing the course of the history of two states. Panthers fans cannot wait to see their favorite QB play this season. Also, later in this article, fantasy football lovers will get to know whether Newton should be in their 2022 fantasy football draft. Steve Smith visits Cam Newton during Panthers practice on Thursday, September 6, 2018. Rapid Reactions: Panthers fall to Buccaneers, 32-6, Matt Rhule speaks about game against Tampa Bay, Cam Newton expresses frustration after Sunday's game against Tampa Bay. Quarterback Jimmy Clausen, the team's second-round pick in 2010, had thrown 3 touchdowns and 9 interceptions as the starter for most of what was one of the worst seasonsin franchisehistory. Newton set a standard for how the future quarterback should look and play. On many, Newton runs the ball, as thats now clearly what hes best at doing. Why did the Panthers cut Cam Newton? 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. Why is he revered in the locker room? Its been a chaotic week for Carolina Panthers fans in both good and bad ways. During the 18-10 loss to the New Orleans Saints in Week 17, the Panthers trotted out Newton for a single snapa rush which resulted in a 5-yard gain. The QB did not practice this week after reaggravating a foot . He made the Carolina Panthers relevant and impacted so many young fans and athletes. In 11 years he had a winning record three times. This was not the Cam Newton fans are used to seeing. Cam Newton during the Carolina Panthers game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on October, 29, 2017, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. Kind of sad. So did Newton, who kept pounding and brought the energy to Bank of America Stadium on a more consistent basis than anyone else ever did. As I recall, Dan Marino also got destroyed in a Super Bowl. In the aftermath of the draft, G.M. The Panthers couldn't trade Cam Newton Carolina failed to find a team willing to trade for Newton for two reasons: the quarterback's health issues that contributed to the Panthers'. Cam Newton smiles against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, Nov 4, 2018. My job is to try to win.". Not much from recent weeks has been what we're used to seeing either. A Charlotte firefighter tends to Carolina Panthers NFL football quarterback Cam Newton following a two-vehicle crash not far from the team's stadium in Charlotte, N.C. on Dec. 9, 2014. View photos of the Panthers taking on Tampa Bay in the 2021 home finale in Week 16. 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. Before serving as the Tigers' passing game coordinator in 2019, Brady spent two years with the Saints as an offensive assistant. Cam always left the impression that he never read the playbook. Inaugural Keep Pounding High School Classic features Northwestern High School and Providence Day School. At a minimum, the starter would have to have a sufficiently strong grip on his job to not feel threatened by that. His performance at NE was always panic and flop sweat or improvising because he didnt know who the secondary receivers were or the routes. Cam Newton expresses frustration after Sunday's game against Tampa Bay He reflected on his 2015 season, when he was the best player in football and led the Panthers to a 15-1 record and a. 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. Is hard reset only way to salvage Jets QB dilemma? 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. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. It didn't generate many wins. He's choosing not to sign anywhere yet so he can make a fully informed decision about his future . So why are Barnes and Newton similar in this category? In his last four games, he has a combined passer rating of 44.5, with a touchdown and five interceptions. One of the most over rated QBs ever. Newton recently made the case to still be a starter. There was opportunities for us to move the ball.". Newton couldnt save the Panthers in 2021, no matter how hard he worked. Im telling you, you cant make up a lie this good, Newton said at the time. Just trying to make big . The Carolina Panthers didn't wait long to put Cam Newton on the active roster. The addition ofBridgewater'scontractledto the release of Newton. Even if Newtons prowess running the football remained a weapon of significant use in Carolina and could potentially help elsewhere. "Whether it's me, I don . What the No. The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. They understood what Keep Pounding meant, Newton said. The recent tape doesnt lie, nostalgia the old Cam is still out there, we can fix him! does. Cam Newton was seen as raw coming out of Auburn, and he still went No. 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. After that, the flashes of Newton were minimal at best. Newton will exit with class. However, his performance with the Patriots was one of the least efficient, where he threw for 2,657 yards and completed 242 of 368 passes with eight touchdowns and 10 interceptions. That said, it's not enough time for Newton to get acclimated to playing in Rhule and Joe Brady's offense.