Under the ownership of David Tepper, who purchased the team in 2018 amid allegations of sexual misconduct on the part of former owner and team founder Jerry Richardson, Carolina is experiencing a complete organizational overhaul. 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. He has authored or co-authored eight books, including four about the Carolina Panthers. He also added 934 rushes for 4,806 yards and 58 touchdowns. They made the playoffs in 2017 the fourth time Newton had gotten them there in a five-year span. Days after signing the franchise's all-time passing leader, Newton is active for Carolina in his return to the. Just trying to make big . 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. Newton was released Tuesday just a week after the Panthers announced they had given the 30-year-old . 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. There was opportunities for us to move the ball.". While it might be hard to admit, Newton is at the end of his career. The Panthers are in the midst of a historic down cycle theyve never had four losing seasons in a row until now. Cam Newton, a former NFL MVP and first overall pick, may not be the quality starter he was a few years ago. "But I'm going to look that lion in the eyeball, and not blink.". 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. You guessed it. USA TODAY Cam Newton's return to the Carolina Panthers has gone from triumphant to turbulent. It was a nice, heart-warming reunion for the first few weeks of his return, but nothing more than that. Carolina Panther Cam Newton (1) dives for the end zone against the Atlanta Falcons at Bank of American Stadium on Sunday, November 5, 2017 in Charlotte, NC. 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. That may be why New England cut him rather than opting to keep him as a cheap and useful backup for then-rookie Mac Jones. With every passing week and with every win under Kyle Allen, I begin to think my theory is correct. He has big-play ability," Jones said. 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. This has led to questions from fans and media alike. The native son of the Carolinas brought football to his home region, changing the course of the history of two states. In the aftermath of the draft, G.M. Why did the Panthers cut Cam Newton? . Benjamin has 21 catches, 329 yards and three TDs, an early candidate for Rookie of the Year. 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. quarterback Cam Newton got Richardson to dab during . On the sideline, I had a moment where you look back over the year at guys who taught you, Newton said afterward. He took more hits than any quarterback during his time and it wasn't particularly close. 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. Although his level of performance is at its lowest, he still believes he can outplay any QB in the league. 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. "The guy makes big catches. 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. Schefter reports he also has playoff-heavy incentives built into his contract. Given that he has turned down multiple requests the last two weeks to talk to the local media, he may also have already given his final statements as a Panther. When we presented the most ideal non-Panthers fits for Newton last month, we included the Titans, Chargers, Buccaneers and Patriots. 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. The Chargers reportedly decided they would not pursue a quarterback in free agency or a trade, sticking with Tyrod Taylor (and likely a high draft pick), instead. "I don't necessarily know what the future holds," he said. 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. "Hell, I want better.". In truth, Newtons probably done. . Only six had a higher passer rating than Newton's 103.7. 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. INDIANAPOLIS - If Anthony Richardson's self-perception is accurate, the NFL team that drafts him is going to have a two-time MVP on its hands. 1 pick. In the context of the organizational changes noted above, the spring of 2020 quickly becamean ideal time to cut ties. Even if Newtons prowess running the football remained a weapon of significant use in Carolina and could potentially help elsewhere. Mosley noted the Panthers run distracting motions and shifts to pull defensive playmakers away from Newton's designed runs. The former MVP quarterback agreed to a contract with the Panthers on Thursday morning, the team announced. The founder and former owner of the Panthers passed away on Wednesday night. 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. BOSTON (CBS) -- Cam Newton's return to Carolina didn't end up going as well as he had hoped. View photos from Cam Newton's career in Carolina from his rookie year in 2011 through 2019. Washington has a promising second-year passer in Dwayne Haskins and multiple options with the No. Enjoy retirement. The arm isnt what it once was. "I'm just so let down because the city of Charlotte's been good to me. It may feel like "only a few of us" but the vast majority of sane panthers fans loved Cam . "I'm sure Cam Newton's not living on what he's done," Rhule said. In his second start in his second stint with the Panthers, Newton. Sports columnist Scott Fowler has written for The Charlotte Observer since 1994. 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. SIZE Quarterbacks may look smaller on the field, but that is only because they are surrounded by freakin' giants. Kind of sad. Zac Al-Khateeb is a content producer for The Sporting News. At 4-5, the Panthers are still very much in the mix for one of the seven playoff spots available in the NFC. 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. Simply put, Cam Newton is where he is today because his body could not exactly withstand everything the Panthers asked it to. While the Panthers are meeting with Derek Carr in Indianapolis, their focus is more on mid-level . Cam Newton visits the Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club on Marsh Road on November 12, 2018. Last year, the Panthers brought back quarterback Cam Newton for a second stint. At once Newton was confident in his own abilities, and at times he seemed to recognize what was happening in front of him. But this isn't about the years to come, or the things he's done in the past. That's not exactly a strong. 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. All betting content is intended for an audience ages 21+. Cam Newton visits various locations around Charlotte during his annual Santa Cam's Surprise Sleigh on Tuesday, December 11, 2018. Read what head coach Frank Reich said to the media during his press conference at the Combine on Wednesday. The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. Newton signed a one-year deal with the team worth up to $10 million, including $4.5 million fully guaranteed and a $1.5 million roster bonus, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Thursday.. Cam has been terrible for some time. 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. (Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports - via Reuters). CHARLOTTE Cam Newton opened his press conference Sunday night by using past tense verbs. Cant wait to see what outfits he wears in retirement. Inaugural Keep Pounding High School Classic features Northwestern High School and Providence Day School. Once the team determined Darnold was essentially out indefinitely, it identified Newton as the best quarterback to lead a playoff run. Through an odd set of circumstances, though, the Panthers then re-signed Newton 19 months later. What would have been much more fitting for Newton: a home game, a win, a fine performance and a ride into the sunset. This leaves P.J. For Newton, this game will be his 133rd with Carolina, and most likely his last. Scott Fitterer told #PFTPM that Newton could possibly return again to the Panthers. The David and Nicole Tepper Foundation supported the first-of-its-kind in Mecklenburg County project, which offers urgent care for behavioral health needs. 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). But that might be adversely affecting him: Newton didn't get much attention, but doesn't seem to be too bothered by it at this point. It's been commonly echoed on social media that Newton. Cam Newton during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, September 23, 2018. Register now! 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. 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. drewlockrocks says: He has played for 11 seasons, primarily with the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League (NFL). ", By the end of his 17 minutes at the podium, Newton was asked if this felt like a goodbye, and he replied: "Nah, it don't feel like that. The one-year deal is worth up to $10 million . It's something that has set him apart from other players. ESPN Stats & Information. Newtons body has diminished and he is not the same player. Cam Newton 's preseason debut will wait at least one more week. #Panthers QB Cam Newton hasnt played since mid-September & his sprained foot is not getting better. It's something that has set him apart from other players. 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. "Our fans aren't paying money to watch us win in two years. He is currently a free agent and is looking for the right team to sign him up. However until proven otherwise, I cant bring myself to that notion. 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. Whether or not Cam Newton can save the Carolina Panthers' sinking season remains to be seen. The Redskins, Patriots and Chargers still could be considered good landing places. Coach Ron Rivera told reporters Tuesday that the starting quarterback wouldn't participate in Thursday's game versus the Chicago. "Just trying to make big plays, just like Cam Newton and Lamar Jackson." In that sense, he remains paired with Rivera, who was fired as Carolina's coach in December before taking the same job in Washington. 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. Inaugural Keep Pounding High School Classic features Northwestern High School and Providence Day School. There was very little attention given to the former Carolina Panther this offseason. This is about now, and maximizing the opportunity for the 2021 Panthers. Associated Press July 27, 2013, 2:50 PM. This was not the Cam Newton fans are used to seeing. 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. Thats not much of a fitting ending, and thats only if he gets to play at all. Arriving so late and learning on the fly were significant obstacles to overcome. 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. (Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports) Cam Newton. You likely do, too, just to see what would happen next. Though the Panthers have (likely strategically) noted Newton will be ready for training camp, if not earlier, the quarterbackis still recovering from foot surgery after a Lisfranc injury limited his 2019 season to just two games. My job is to try to win.". And with the way their defense is currently playing, raising the level on offense makes them a more difficult matchup in November and December. Scott Fowler is a national award-winning sports columnist for The Charlotte Observer. Charlotte still has a parade it wants to throw you. 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. After starting his NFL journey in 2011, he was the face of the Panthers until, in 2020, he switched teams and played a season for the New England Patriots. Newton can say goodbye on his own terms. 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 in trouble again this season. The Carolina Panthers didn't wait long to put Cam Newton on the active roster. 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. "Whether it's me, I don . Why is he revered in the locker room? 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. Come back and see us sometime. 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. 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. Those boil down to either Fix Darnold or Get Someone New or, more likely, trying to do both at the same time. He suffered a Lisfranc injury on a sack that ultimately ended his time with the Panthers in the first go around. The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. Newton isn't beyond the next two games, and since they're both on the road, it's easier to make the switch back to Darnold now. Be the first one to comment on this story. Cam Newton leaps in the air as he rushes the ball during the game against the Giants on Sun., Oct. 7, 2018. Newton stands to make $500,000 for each playoff win in which he plays at least 50 percent of the game; $1.5 million if Carolina reaches the Super Bowl and he plays 50 percent of the offensive snaps; and a $1 million bonus if selected the Super Bowl MVP. In 2020, Newton signed a one-year deal with the Patriots and started all 15 games as their leading quarterback. 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. 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. Maybe a simple phone call to the former face of the franchise could do the trickagain. Since then, its been 7-9, 5-11, 5-11 and either 5-12 or 6-11 this season. Hes revered by teammates. In 2020,. Newton won't start for Carolina in Week 17. 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. MORE: Cam Newton contract details: How much is Panthers QB making in 2021? And that's hard for a lot of people. Cam Newton, Panthers. 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.. If Newton plays well this season, he would become the favorite to be Carolina's starting quarterback in 2022.". 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!". 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. His body looked worn down and deteriorated in terms of his athletic ability and natural talent. 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. There's absolutely no getting away from that. Cam Newton contract details: How much is Panthers QB making in 2021. 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. The Panthers, for business reasons in what fundamentally is an entertainment business, were a good option. The Panthers have Baker Mayfield as their starting QB. Not a team player and only causes distractions within the team. Cam Newton has had more than a decade-long career, mostly with the Carolina Panthers. At the same time, you're trying to build a Super Bowl-caliber team. 1 overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft and the 2015 NFL MVP, is officially back in the black and blue. Remember when he got destroyed in the Super Bowl and the narrative was, he WILL be back and multiple times? 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. After going 0-5 as a starter behind a bedraggled Carolina offensive line in November and December, Newton will begin Carolinas season finale on the bench. Translation: Carolina instantly became Rhule's team. There was so much potential for the Heisman Trophy winner to be one of the more successful players the league has ever seen. 3-4-1 record. Copyright 2023 Sporting News Holdings Limited. 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. 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. The Panthers are left with QB Baker Mayfield and PJ Walker. Remember when he got destroyed in the Super Bowl and the narrative was, he WILL be back and multiple times? In just his second start this season for the franchise he led for nearly a decade, Newton was. Where is Cam Newton now? "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. 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. An All-Pro nod. The move might beshocking to those who havenot been monitoring recent developments in Carolina, but it had become an inevitability. AP Photo/Stephan Savoia. 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. The same goes for . SPARTANBURG, S.C. Panthers quarterback Cam Newton said he has nothing to hide when it comes to testing for the human growth hormone. Something he was reportedly willing to accept on the right franchise. Paired with Rivera, Newtonended up doing just that. The Patriots decided that rookie Mac Jones is ready to take over as the starter and that. 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. So it's a balancing act of doing what's right long-term and trying to win at the same time. Nate Davis, USA TODAY. 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. Be the first one to comment on this story. Injuries suck but thats the reality of the NFL. According to ESPN's David Newton, while the Panthers have visited with Carr, it's mostly been out of due diligence. So Newton is about to leave the Panthers for good, as a backup, on the road. 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.". Cam looked pretty good the 1st week as a starter for NE against Seattle but was awful from that point on. 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. Not much from recent weeks has been what we're used to seeing either. Speculation about teams not being keen on his big personality making things difficult for their starting option was asinine. That said, it's not enough time for Newton to get acclimated to playing in Rhule and Joe Brady's offense. 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. A new coach meant a new vision, whichmeant a new staff of assistants and, eventually, a new franchise passer. The native son of the Carolinas brought football to his home region, changing the course of the history of two states. 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. You feel like damn, are you good enough?". So why is Cam so "Quentin-esque," you ask? On Sunday, Cam was benched. His interests finally aligned with another team's when Carolina saw a sudden, glaring need for a proven veteran quarterback. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. That person is none other than Cam Newton. '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. What makes it so . Hes done. 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. Peak Cam Newton was fun to watch but its been 5-6 years since hes been that guy. It did before Newton burst onto the scene and will thrive long after hes gone. Last year, the Panthers brought back quarterback Cam Newton for a second stint. Despite the firing of coach Rhule, what could the franchise do to boost fan morale and bring them back to Bank of America Stadium? Carolina simply could not carry bothcontracts at the same time. But he also mentioned the year before he arrived in Charlotte, when the Panthers went 2-14 in 2010, which set the stage for them to choose him first overall.