Learn how your comment data is processed. Hell be broke in a couple of years, hes still better than Geno Smith, Marcus Mariota and Ryan Tannehill. 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. 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. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. I would say probably not very likely," Rhule said Friday about Newton's availability. Paired with Rivera, Newtonended up doing just that. Which is abysmal in todays NFL. What would have been much more fitting for Newton: a home game, a win, a fine performance and a ride into the sunset. Newton is not wanted by the Panthers and other NFL teams because he is a locker room cancer. Newton's ability to run also matters, since the Panthers have tried to establish that as part of their identity in recent weeks. Inaugural Keep Pounding High School Classic features Northwestern High School and Providence Day School. It's also what likely hinders teams from adding him as a backup. '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. Be the first one to comment on this story. While the Panthers are meeting with Derek Carr in Indianapolis, their focus is more on mid-level . 5:26 PM on Mar 2, 2023 CST. So it's a balancing act of doing what's right long-term and trying to win at the same time. Instead of opting for Newton, there are many options available, with Justin Fields, Jameis Winston, Tua Tagovailoa, and Trevor Lawrence. This has led to questions from fans and media alike. Scott Fitterer told #PFTPM that Newton could possibly return again to the Panthers. Fitterer and head coach Frank Reich also touched on other needs the team has, and what the priorities are for the coming weeks during their interviews at the combine. Then the Titans re-signed Ryan Tannehill to a long-term deal. Since then, Newton has been out of work. Ravens linebacker C.J. Almost a full decade ago, the Panthers were preparing for what would be an easy decision with the No. On Sunday, Cam was benched. Cam Newton smiles against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, Nov 4, 2018. Benjamin has 21 catches, 329 yards and three TDs, an early candidate for Rookie of the Year. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. One quarterback that wasn't expected to be released on Tuesday was former Panther, Cam Newton. 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. You feel like damn, are you good enough?". He made the Carolina Panthers relevant and impacted so many young fans and athletes. At the time, Newton made it clear that he wanted to keep playing, but. Something Panthers fans need to realize, even with the injuries and uncertainty across the organization. So why is Cam so "Quentin-esque," you ask? His most recent press conference came Dec. 26, after the last Tampa Bay game. But in the NFL it rarely happens that way. The Patriots, even after losing Brady, opted against a move as aggressive as trading for Newton. At some point we just have to face the music and recognize that Newton might be done as the starting quarterback for the Carolina Panthers. But this isn't about the years to come, or the things he's done in the past. Cant wait to see what outfits he wears in retirement. Cam Newton passes against the Minnesota Vikings at Bank of American Stadium on Sunday, December 10, 2017 in Charlotte, NC. 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'. All betting content is intended for an audience ages 21+. They are bigger than most people who play that position. Cam was not a good fit in NE and that experience ruined him. No team has shown any interest in signing him this year. At the same time, you're trying to build a Super Bowl-caliber team. It's also what likely hinders teams from adding him as a backup.. Updated. Cam was overrated most of his career. 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 . CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WNCN) The founder of the Carolina Panthers, died Wednesday night at age 86, the team announced Thursday. But the player didnt do enough to completely remove Darnold from the equation and has been searching for a new home ever since. Newton has been absolutely horrendous in his last several starts. The Panthers are left with QB Baker Mayfield and PJ Walker. Last season when Darnold went down due to injury, the Panthers brought back their former franchise player Newton to help fill in. There's absolutely no getting away from that. Cam Newton 's preseason debut will wait at least one more week. The Panthers do have a handful of plays ready for Newton they call them, appropriately, The Cam Plays. These are mostly for situations like third-and-1 or second-and-goal, and its unclear whether any of them will get used. That has been life for the Panthers, really, for the past four years. This injected a sense of hope and belonging that was sorely lacking under previous head coach Matt Rhule, although it was evident from a long way out that the Auburn product joining was not his call. In 2020,. 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. He stood by on the sideline as Darnold played the late stages, watching helplessly as the game perhaps his last one here ended. I loved his energy and he was so fun to watch. Please logout and login again. 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. Does Cam Newton still have what it takes to be a starter in the. An NFL MVP award. Its been a chaotic week for Carolina Panthers fans in both good and bad ways. This reminds me of Cam Newton in his prime. Realistically, this idea may not become reality. 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. The Carolina Panthers didn't wait long to put Cam Newton on the active roster. Then theres the fact that Newton cant really be just a guy on the depth chart. On Friday, shortly after he . I know that. I hope Newton does at least get into this game. Social media reacts to Cam Newton's return to Carolina, NFL Throwback: Cam Newton's Top 10 plays in Carolina. 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. Panthers coach Ron Rivera is hesitant to play Newton due to the rib injury he suffered in a preseason game last month against the New England Patriots, sources told Mortensen. Cam Newton looks to pass during a week 8 game against the Baltimore Ravens at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, October 28, 2018. Cams just getting started with us so well probably, more realistic to shoot for next week. The 2022 season was no exception, as Carolina played to a disappointing . USA TODAY Cam Newton's return to the Carolina Panthers has gone from triumphant to turbulent. This is about now, and maximizing the opportunity for the 2021 Panthers. The former MVP quarterback agreed to a contract with the Panthers on Thursday morning, the team announced. The Redskins, Patriots and Chargers still could be considered good landing places. Really, no one could this team was too far gone. He's choosing not to sign anywhere yet so he can make a fully informed decision about his future . "I see a lot of guys come up on the stage or the podium in a coward's way, directly or indirectly," he said. 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. It is best to look for other alternatives for the QB2 position. And this team moving forward wants to win. 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. 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. Panthers fans cannot wait to see their favorite QB play this season. In truth, the typical NFL quarterback is a big person. Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson speaks during a news conference for the NFL football team in Charlotte, N.C., Jan. 15, 2013. Last year, the Panthers brought back quarterback Cam Newton for a second stint. 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. That it just so happened to be the franchise's top signal-caller of all time was a coincidence. 2 pick in the NFL Draft. 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. 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. Carolina failed to find a team willing to trade for Newton for two reasons:the quarterback'shealth issues that contributed to the Panthers' decision to part with him in the first place, and the surprising lack of a market for a starting quarterback in 2020. Also, later in this article, fantasy football lovers will get to know whether Newton should be in their 2022 fantasy football draft. And when the difference is the course of a season, sometimes you have to make bold moves. Copyright 2023 Sporting News Holdings Limited. drewlockrocks says: The content on this site is for entertainment and educational purposes only. And that's what he wants to do, that's where I am, and that's where this team is. We're running our offense and Cam's going to come in and do what we do, but right now we're just focused on this game we're not looking ahead to anything right now.". Newton then played one season with the New. 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! 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. But that would have felt gratuitous, Rhule said later, intimating that Newton wanted no part of such a gesture. It's something that has set him apart from other players. Is hard reset only way to salvage Jets QB dilemma? The main theme of that Nov. 12 event was that Newton had come to Charlotte to work, not as a ceremonial figurehead. Observer experts pick the score, Want to watch the Carolina Panthers-Tampa Bay Buccaneers game on TV? As for the busy quarterback market during NFL free agency, itonly compoundedissues forthe Panthers as they searched for a trade partner. Newton started in five games but could not lead his side to a single victory. There was very little attention given to the former Carolina Panther this offseason. The Buccaneers signed Tom Brady. 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. Last year, the Panthers brought back quarterback Cam Newton for a second stint. Read what head coach Frank Reich said to the media during his press conference at the Combine on Wednesday. But that doesnt mean Newton isnt at least deserving of a backup spot somewhere. It seemed most people had a take or a theory ready about why head coach Bill Belichick. 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. The Patriots decided that rookie Mac Jones is ready to take over as the starter and that. 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. What makes it so . Just trying to make big . In releasing Newton, Carolina save$19.1 million in salary cap space while taking on a dead cap charge of just $2 million for 2020. The native son of the Carolinas brought football to his home region, changing the course of the history of two states. Cam Newton leaps in the air as he rushes the ball during the game against the Giants on Sun., Oct. 7, 2018. Placed on IR (foot) Matthew Stafford, Lions. Peak Cam Newton was fun to watch but its been 5-6 years since hes been that guy. 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. Sports columnist Scott Fowler has written for The Charlotte Observer since 1994. There was so much potential for the Heisman Trophy winner to be one of the more successful players the league has ever seen. Newtons had a rough shake of things. His interests finally aligned with another team's when Carolina saw a sudden, glaring need for a proven veteran quarterback. The trade for Baker Mayfield likely slams that door shut. Enjoy retirement. Your login session has expired. As I recall, Dan Marino also got destroyed in a Super Bowl. The David and Nicole Tepper Foundation supported the first-of-its-kind in Mecklenburg County project, which offers urgent care for behavioral health needs. For more information, please read our Legal Disclaimer. Cam Newton was dealt an unfair hand after leaving the Carolina Panthers It was a difficult situation for Newton. comparing him to dan marino, come on, that is 1 of the most ridiculous comparisons in history. The Panthers (4-5) announced they've agreed to a one-year contact with Newton, bringing him. Then again, these Panthers don't exactly operate using rational thinking and conventional wisdom. They gave him the opportunity to not only win the starting job for the. Only six had a higher passer rating than Newton's 103.7. Remember when he got destroyed in the Super Bowl and the narrative was, he WILL be back and multiple times? 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. Cam always left the impression that he never read the playbook. "Just trying to make big plays, just like Cam Newton and Lamar Jackson." Even if he lands up against the Panthers this season, chances are low that he will start games for them. This was not the Cam Newton fans are used to seeing. He hasnt done more than rehab to the side. 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. He has big-play ability," Jones said. AP Photo/Stephan Savoia. A post shared by Kyle Allen (@kyle_allen) on Oct 27, 2019 at 9:01am PDT. This story was originally published January 9, 2022, 6:45 AM. That doesn't necessarily mean Newton won't play, though. 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. At 4-5, the Panthers are still very much in the mix for one of the seven playoff spots available in the NFC. A star with the Carolina Panthers earlier in his career, the former No. 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. A familiar smiling face will be back on the sidelines for Carolina on Sunday. 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. Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton is reportedly not close to getting back on the football field. Injuries suck but thats the reality of the NFL. The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. The Florida Gators quarterback has heard many discussed. The good is the franchise cutting ties with Matt Rhule, with the bad being the injuries that have begun to mount at quarterback. You guessed it. Cam Newton celebrates with fans after the Panthers' win on Sunday. 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 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. He then mentioned former Panther greats like Steve Smith, Luke Kuechly, Thomas Davis, Josh Norman (even though Newton got into a brief fight with him once), Jordan Gross, Ryan Kalil and Julius Peppers. Newton recently made the case to still be a starter. Now, in theory, Newton could land with any of those teams as an unrestricted free agent. Sunday will likely be the last time Cam Newton suits up as a Carolina Panther; his contract expires at the end of the season. The Panthers named Sam Darnold as the starter with Newton as his primary backup. Charlotte still has a parade it wants to throw you. He was the preeminent alpha male in a locker room full of alpha males. Zac Al-Khateeb is a content producer for The Sporting News. His career is over.