In his last four games, he has a combined passer rating of 44.5, with a touchdown and five interceptions. He is revered in the locker room because he is a consummate professional day in and day out, bonds easily with his teammates, and is the unquestioned leader on the field. Carolina Panthers celebrate after defeating the Arizona Cardinals to win the NFC Conference Championship. At a minimum, the starter would have to have a sufficiently strong grip on his job to not feel threatened by that. It's been commonly echoed on social media that Newton. Scott Fitterer told #PFTPM that Newton could possibly return again to the Panthers. 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. Cam Newton 's preseason debut will wait at least one more week. The Panthers did not lose faith in their former QB and gave him a chance to start a few games last season. Mosley noted the Panthers run distracting motions and shifts to pull defensive playmakers away from Newton's designed runs. 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 completed just 53.8 percent of his passes. A slew of injuries at the position could change things, obviously. Schefter reports he also has playoff-heavy incentives built into his contract. drewlockrocks says: Cant wait to see what outfits he wears in retirement. Eli Manning, Giants. As for the busy quarterback market during NFL free agency, itonly compoundedissues forthe Panthers as they searched for a trade partner. NowNewton's Panthers tenure is over after nine years. Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson speaks during a news conference for the NFL football team in Charlotte, N.C., Jan. 15, 2013. 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. 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. No team has shown any interest in signing him this year. The former MVP quarterback agreed to a contract with the Panthers on Thursday morning, the team announced. 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. That's not exactly a strong. BOSTON (CBS) -- Cam Newton's return to Carolina didn't end up going as well as he had hoped. The good is the franchise cutting ties with Matt Rhule, with the bad being the injuries that have begun to mount at quarterback. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. The Redskins, Patriots and Chargers still could be considered good landing places. Tepper in January hired Matt Rhule to replace Rivera as Panthers coach, and in doing so, the team owner took a significant leap of faith. 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. Cam was overrated most of his career. 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. Inconsistency at the quarterback position and erratic play have plagued the Carolina Panthers since Cam Newton's departure. ", As with his entire career, and recent press conferences, this one contained multitudes. Really, no one could this team was too far gone. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. 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. 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. 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. Cam Newton celebrates after a touchdown during the game against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018, at Bank of America Stadium. 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. Cam Newton during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, September 23, 2018. The Florida Gators quarterback has heard many discussed. Hell be broke in a couple of years, hes still better than Geno Smith, Marcus Mariota and Ryan Tannehill. The one-year deal is worth up to $10 million . He has big-play ability," Jones said. 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. Something Panthers fans need to realize, even with the injuries and uncertainty across the organization. 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. Trading a player who's technicallyinjured is difficult enough in a typical year. Cam Newton scores a touchdown during a week 8 game against the Baltimore Ravens at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, October 28, 2018. . 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 . ", 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. (Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports - via Reuters). But that would have felt gratuitous, Rhule said later, intimating that Newton wanted no part of such a gesture. "The guy makes big catches. Newton has been absolutely horrendous in his last several starts. Translation: Carolina instantly became Rhule's team. Tepper gave Rhule, who had no NFL head-coaching experience, a seven-year contract worth up to $70 million. 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. 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. 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. While the Panthers are meeting with Derek Carr in Indianapolis, their focus is more on mid-level . The QB did not practice this week after reaggravating a foot . Cam Newton is unlikely to play in Carolina's season opener, according to sources. Friday was a walkthrough, and Saturday was slightly more intense. Walker is listed as the starter, with Matt Barkley as the backup. He hasnt done more than rehab to the side. If Newton plays well this season, he would become the favorite to be Carolina's starting quarterback in 2022.". 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. The Panthers signed Newton to a one-year deal on Thursday, giving him only two days of practice to get ready for the Cardinals. . Cam Newton celebrates a touchdown during a game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, November 26, 2017. Christian McCaffrey celebrates a touchdown with Cam Newton against the Seattle Seahawks at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, November 25, 2018. Kyle Allen has looked very solid in replacement duty. There is the argument that Newton could return with some time to prepare and potentially be half the signal-caller he was before the injuries began to take their toll. Even if Newtons prowess running the football remained a weapon of significant use in Carolina and could potentially help elsewhere. "Football has been good to me," Newton said early in the press conference, after he was asked a question about rotating with Sam Darnold in a 32-6 loss to the Buccaneers. He took more hits than any quarterback during his time and it wasn't particularly close. Cam Newton has always had one of the biggest personalities in the NFL. 1 pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, a selection Carolina had acquired after finishing2010with a 2-14 record. "I don't know what the future holds," Newton said. IYER:Why the Redskins' rumored interest in Cam Newton makes sense. "We, the whole Charlotte community, we deserve better," he said of the team's recent struggles. Last Sunday, after Newton began his latest comeback attempt with a familiar touchdown run in which he managed to look both nimble and powerful, he ripped off his helmet and screamed "I'm back!". Not much from recent weeks has been what we're used to seeing either. "Today was just a walkthrough. Of course, I thought that two years ago, too, when the Panthers tried to trade Newton shortly after head coach Matt Rhule got to Charlotte and then released him outright while signing Teddy Bridgewater. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER. 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. The Panthers have Baker Mayfield as their starting QB. 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 Super Bowl appearance. That scenario eventually revealed itself to beimpossible. That deal, if it comes, will probably be elsewhere as a backup. 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. In that sense, he remains paired with Rivera, who was fired as Carolina's coach in December before taking the same job in Washington. Not a team player and only causes distractions within the team. MORE:Why Cam Newton is the Patriots' best option to replace Tom Brady. Cam Newton has always had one of the biggest personalities in the NFL. Melissa Melvin-Rodriguez/Carolina Panthers, Melissa Melvin-Rodriguez/2015 Carolina Panthers, Melissa Melvin-Rodriguez/2017 Melissa Melvin-Rodriguez. Newton had the shortest leash of any Panthers quarterback. Newton recently made the case to still be a starter. I would say probably not very likely," Rhule said Friday about Newton's availability. quarterback Cam Newton got Richardson to dab during . Arriving so late and learning. As long as you can win with Kyle Allen, the Panthers simply cant take him off of the field. Cam Newton celebrates with fans after the Panthers' win on Sunday. It's something that has set him apart from other players. But mostly Newton is about to stand on the sideline once again for a 5-11 team that has lost six in a row. and even when the offense messed a play up, Cam would turn it in to a 15yd gain. 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. Those boil down to either Fix Darnold or Get Someone New or, more likely, trying to do both at the same time. Cam Newton is back with Carolina. 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.. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images) Cam Newton. Cameron Jerrell Newton (born May 11, 1989) is an American football quarterback who is a free agent. Why has the NFL seemingly forgotten about former Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton despite some suspect play around the league? Including Cam Newton. In his second start in his second stint with the Panthers, Newton. 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). He is currently a free agent and is looking for the right team to sign him up. I know that. Cam Newton during the Carolina Panthers game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on October, 29, 2017, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. The visit to Dr. Anderson in Green Bay is to learn why his condition isnt improving, source said. It didn't generate many wins. 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. Newton is not wanted by the Panthers and other NFL teams because he is a locker room cancer. ESPN Stats & Information. The Panthers are left with QB Baker Mayfield and PJ Walker. That doesn't necessarily mean Newton won't play, though. Almost a full decade ago, the Panthers were preparing for what would be an easy decision with the No. #Panthers QB Cam Newton hasnt played since mid-September & his sprained foot is not getting better. At 4-5, the Panthers are still very much in the mix for one of the seven playoff spots available in the NFC. Carolina simply could not carry bothcontracts at the same time. Then again, these Panthers don't exactly operate using rational thinking and conventional wisdom. Cam Newton was seen as raw coming out of Auburn, and he still went No. 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. 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. One of the best things about Newton has always been the thrum of possibility every time he breaks the huddle. He stood by on the sideline as Darnold played the late stages, watching helplessly as the game perhaps his last one here ended. Newton reportedly received offers from one or two teams regarding a return to playing this season, according to Sheena Quick of Fox Sports Radio 1340. Cam has been terrible for some time. SPARTANBURG, S.C. Panthers quarterback Cam Newton said he has nothing to hide when it comes to testing for the human growth hormone. Despite the firing of coach Rhule, what could the franchise do to boost fan morale and bring them back to Bank of America Stadium? Part of me believes that there is still some juice left in the tank. Nothing lasts forever and father time waits for no man. He never made excuses or complained about the inherent unfairness of life in the NFL. He's experienced enough, and aware enough, to know what it sounded like. Cam Newton passes the ball against the Seattle Seahawks at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, November 25, 2018. Now, hes not healthy, hes not getting better and the Panthers are winning with Allen. Social media reacts to Cam Newton's return to Carolina, NFL Throwback: Cam Newton's Top 10 plays in Carolina. 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. 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. And when it doesn't happen, like right now, you feel empty. A new coach meant a new vision, whichmeant a new staff of assistants and, eventually, a new franchise passer. Since then, its been 7-9, 5-11, 5-11 and either 5-12 or 6-11 this season. "Growing up, that guy was always Cam Newton for me. An All-Pro nod. On many, Newton runs the ball, as thats now clearly what hes best at doing. 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. I have a lot of respect for fans that believe that Newton can still play and help their team to victory. His shoulder took a huge hit from TJ Watt and it was never the same. SIZE Quarterbacks may look smaller on the field, but that is only because they are surrounded by freakin' giants. 1 overall pick fits the profile of a team that has been willing to move aggressively, including making 13 trades this calendar year alone. At the time, Newton made it clear that he wanted to keep playing, but. After that one brilliant Sunday in Arizona when he declared "I'm back," and the following week against Washington when it looked like he was, his game has not been the same. But circumstances change. Observer experts pick the score, Want to watch the Carolina Panthers-Tampa Bay Buccaneers game on TV? 5:26 PM on Mar 2, 2023 CST. This story was originally published January 9, 2022, 6:45 AM. Please logout and login again. I loved his energy and he was so fun to watch. "Just trying to make big plays, just like Cam Newton and Lamar Jackson." Even if Newton is well past his prime and no longer the same player he was four years ago. May 25, 2022 9:12 AM EDT When the Panthers brought back Cam Newton last season, it was never a long-term play. 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. He has authored or co-authored eight books, including four about the Carolina Panthers. In 2021, Newton lost his starting QB seat in the Patriots to Mac Jones and was later released by them. Vincent Frank Former NFL MVP Cam Newton has not drawn much interest around the league leading up to Week 1. 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 leaps in the air as he rushes the ball during the game against the Giants on Sun., Oct. 7, 2018. Yeah, that kid warming up in the commercial laughs at that too. 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. Their rookie quarterback Matt Corral has sustained a Lisfranc injury and Sam Darnold's ankle sprain might keep him away from some games. Newton, 32, played nine seasons for the Panthers from 2011-19. Its been a chaotic week for Carolina Panthers fans in both good and bad ways. The openmarket for Newton likely will be just as limited as the trade market was if he wants to land with a new team as its starting quarterback. Asked which quarterbacks he emulates, he pointed to the Ravens' 2019 unanimous MVP and former Panthers MVP Cam Newton. You must be logged in to leave a comment. But this isn't about the years to come, or the things he's done in the past. 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. AP Photo/Stephan Savoia. It's also what likely hinders teams from adding him as a backup.. Speculation about teams not being keen on his big personality making things difficult for their starting option was asinine. BOSTON (CBS) -- Two weeks ago, a euphoric Cam Newton shouted to the world that he was back. Cam Newton looks to pass during a week 8 game against the Baltimore Ravens at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, October 28, 2018. 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. His career is over. How to find it. With every passing week and with every win under Kyle Allen, I begin to think my theory is correct. And clearly, the opportunity is there for this to make a significant impact. You guessed it. After that, the flashes of Newton were minimal at best. Cam Newton visits various locations around Charlotte during his annual Santa Cam's Surprise Sleigh on Tuesday, December 11, 2018. Newton won't start for Carolina in Week 17. 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. Cam Newton probably didn't take off his helmet Sunday and yell to the crowd "I'm benched!" Two weeks after the former NFL MVP had declared "I'm back" after scoring a touchdown in his return to. Scott Fowler is a national award-winning sports columnist for The Charlotte Observer. This is about now, and maximizing the opportunity for the 2021 Panthers. 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. Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton is reportedly not close to getting back on the football field. I hope Newton does at least get into this game. The Panthers are in the midst of a historic down cycle theyve never had four losing seasons in a row until now. Hes now a 32-year-old NFL quarterback with an iffy arm who probably isnt ready to retire from the game he loves and who will likely attempt to sign a new deal in free agency. Real-time updates and all local stories you want right in the palm of your hand. Inaugural Keep Pounding High School Classic features Northwestern High School and Providence Day School. He was 86 . "Hell, I want better.". Not a member? Newton isnt. Those issues haven't magically been fixed just because the team signed Cam Newton, they've just been kicked down the road. 2023 Minute Media - All Rights Reserved. I floated a while ago that Cam Newtons days of throwing footballs for the Carolina Panthers could be over. And that's hard for a lot of people. The trade for Baker Mayfield likely slams that door shut. My job is to try to win.". Sporting News breaks down whether Newton will be able to take the field on Sunday vs. the Cardinals: Newton is expected to be active, according to Ian Rapoport, though coach Matt Rhule said it's not likely Newton plays vs. the Cardinals on Sunday. It's something that has set him apart from other players. The Panthers have their own plans at quarterback in 2022. In 11 years he had a winning record three times. "My job is to try to win right now," Panthers head coach Matt Rhule said Wednesday afternoon. Cam Newton visits the Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club on Marsh Road on November 12, 2018. But the likelihood is he wont. 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. "But I'm going to look that lion in the eyeball, and not blink.". The signing was predicated by the shoulder injury to starter Sam Darnold, who will miss extended time because of an incomplete fracture in his right scapula. 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. Mayfield may not be in the best position to shrug at Newtons presence on the depth chart, if the Panthers trade Sam Darnold. I don't want to sound like I'm retiring, but, I've had some great memories. However until proven otherwise, I cant bring myself to that notion. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. 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. Its a shame that Newton may never win a Super Bowl as a starter or even a backup. Theyre off the table for now, and they likely will be for all of the coming season barring very significant and unexpected changes. Who should stay, who should go, Who wins between Panthers, Bucs in season finale? 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. 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. This was not the Cam Newton fans are used to seeing. You feel like damn, are you good enough?". MORE: Why Cam Newton is returning to Panthers for a second act Newton has tried to get back into the league after leaving the Patriots before the start of the season, even getting the. Perhaps Newton is at peace with leaving the game behind. But that doesnt mean Newton isnt at least deserving of a backup spot somewhere. Days after signing the franchise's all-time passing leader, Newton is active for Carolina in his return to the. Is hard reset only way to salvage Jets QB dilemma? 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, the franchise's No. According to The Athletic, teams also have expressed concerns about the shoulder injury that impacted Newton's 2018 season and also resulted in surgery. '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. Because the Panthers had decided they were going to part with Newton, ideally, they would have received some compensation from another team rather than an outright release. All advice, including picks and predictions, is based on individual commentators opinions and not that of Minute Media or its related brands. The move allows the . And with the way their defense is currently playing, raising the level on offense makes them a more difficult matchup in November and December. He then hired Joe Brady, a young-but-quickly rising assistant who helped LSU and Heisman-winning quarterback Joe Burrow earna national championship last season, asoffensive coordinator. Cam Newton has had more than a decade-long career, mostly with the Carolina Panthers. They dont treat black mobile QBs like QBs, Justin Fields run and slide and is hit again, The Mayor of Trey Town, PlumDawg Millionaire. That kind of self-doubt is not what we're used to hearing from Newton. 1 overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft and the 2015 NFL MVP, is officially back in the black and blue. He's choosing not to sign anywhere yet so he can make a fully informed decision about his future . Hell undoubtedly be back in the Panthers stadium to join the teams Hall of Honor in a few years and likely before that. The Panthers are in trouble again this season. Newton's ability to run also matters, since the Panthers have tried to establish that as part of their identity in recent weeks. "That's why the Panthers . Bill Romanowski, former NFL linebacker and all-around doer of dumb things, had some. By playing Darnold in the home finale, the Panthers began looking forward, at a player who is under contract for next year. Panthers fans cannot wait to see their favorite QB play this season. Newton can say goodbye on his own terms. Thats fine. 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. 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. Because he won some games 7-10 seasons ago? 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. Newton was entering the final season of the five-year contract extension he signed in the summer of 2015, months before he led the Panthers to Super Bowl 50. 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. Does he have a roster seat in the 2022 NFL? They made the playoffs in 2017 the fourth time Newton had gotten them there in a five-year span. 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. What makes it so . Build your customFanSided Daily email newsletter with news and analysis onCarolina Panthers and all your favorite sports teams, TV shows, and more.