Those boil down to either Fix Darnold or Get Someone New or, more likely, trying to do both at the same time. Cam Newton celebrates a touchdown in the endzone against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, Nov 4, 2018. 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. 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. However until proven otherwise, I cant bring myself to that notion. 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. Cam always left the impression that he never read the playbook. Newtons body has diminished and he is not the same player. 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. The comparisons always have chased Anthony Richardson around the football field. Benched. 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. And now he's in this spot. IYER:Why the Redskins' rumored interest in Cam Newton makes sense. For more information, please read our Legal Disclaimer. Even if he lands up against the Panthers this season, chances are low that he will start games for them. There was opportunities for us to move the ball.". Newton will exit with class. All picks and predictions are suggestions only. At the time, Newton made it clear that he wanted to keep playing, but. 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. An NFL MVP award. Rookie Matt Corral is also out for the season with a Lisfranc foot injury. Zac Al-Khateeb is a content producer for The Sporting News. 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. MORE:Why Cam Newton is the Patriots' best option to replace Tom Brady. "I don't know what the future holds," Newton said. That doesn't necessarily mean Newton won't play, though. Arriving so late and learning. Hes got other interests going on media mogul, youth football coach, and aspiring real estate developer so missing an entire season is likely to put him at the back of everyones minds when it comes to planning for the future. The founder and former owner of the Panthers passed away on Wednesday night. 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. Christian McCaffrey celebrates a touchdown with Cam Newton against the Seattle Seahawks at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, November 25, 2018. 1 overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft and the 2015 NFL MVP, is officially back in the black and blue. 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. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. Cam Newton smiles against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, Nov 4, 2018. 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. Mosley noted the Panthers run distracting motions and shifts to pull defensive playmakers away from Newton's designed runs. His talent, though, is incredible. Observer experts pick the score, Want to watch the Carolina Panthers-Tampa Bay Buccaneers game on TV? Cam Newton, the franchise's No. "Growing up, it was always . There are no guarantees the 32-year-old Newton could be a long-term answer. The Panthers are in trouble again this season. In fantasy football, you never know who lands up in the top 10 at the end of the league, but these four options seem promising if you need a backup QB. Eli Manning, Giants. The Buccaneers signed Tom Brady. Cam Newton, a former NFL MVP and first overall pick, may not be the quality starter he was a few years ago. 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. . 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.. The move allows the . So Newton is about to leave the Panthers for good, as a backup, on the road. The 2022 season was no exception, as Carolina played to a disappointing . Once the team determined Darnold was essentially out indefinitely, it identified Newton as the best quarterback to lead a playoff run. Rhule hiredPhil Snow, his right-hand man throughthe duo'sprevious stops at Baylor and Temple, as defensive coordinator. Cam Newton has had more than a decade-long career, mostly with the Carolina Panthers. That's always been the guy I looked up to." When asked if he is a better thrower of the football coming out of college than . Cam Newton 's preseason debut will wait at least one more week. Cams just getting started with us so well probably, more realistic to shoot for next week. The arm isnt what it once was. 1 overall selection in 2011 when opportunities elsewhere were extremely limited. 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. (Kirby Lee/NFL). The distraction is not just welcome, it's intoxicating, and in two. 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. He has authored or co-authored eight books, including four about the Carolina Panthers. 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. Ended with a 85.2 QBR. 1. Newton, 32, played nine seasons for the Panthers from 2011-19. Inaugural Keep Pounding High School Classic features Northwestern High School and Providence Day School. You must be logged in to leave a comment. CHARLOTTE Cam Newton opened his press conference Sunday night by using past tense verbs. That kind of self-doubt is not what we're used to hearing from Newton. 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. As I recall, Dan Marino also got destroyed in a Super Bowl. MORE: Cam Newton contract details: How much is Panthers QB making in 2021? The visit to Dr. Anderson in Green Bay is to learn why his condition isnt improving, source said. So it's a balancing act of doing what's right long-term and trying to win at the same time. I floated a while ago that Cam Newtons days of throwing footballs for the Carolina Panthers could be over. 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. Cam Newton was dealt an unfair hand after leaving the Carolina Panthers It was a difficult situation for Newton. I hope Newton does at least get into this game. Dude is more interested in how he looks at post game press conference than on the field. 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. What is next for the Panthers under Wilks and general manager Scott Fitterer? He made the Carolina Panthers relevant and impacted so many young fans and athletes. It is best to look for other alternatives for the QB2 position. This is not the Cam Newton Cam Newton's used to seeing. It's an issue that has plagued Panthers quarterbacks since Newton, leading to injuries for several guys. Real-time updates and all local stories you want right in the palm of your hand. The recent tape doesnt lie, nostalgia the old Cam is still out there, we can fix him! does. View photos from Cam Newton's career in Carolina from his rookie year in 2011 through 2019. 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. On many, Newton runs the ball, as thats now clearly what hes best at doing. Tepper gave Rhule, who had no NFL head-coaching experience, a seven-year contract worth up to $70 million. The trade for Baker Mayfield likely slams that door shut. They made the playoffs in 2017 the fourth time Newton had gotten them there in a five-year span. And clearly, the opportunity is there for this to make a significant impact. For two years Newton was an embattled quarterback dealing with an ongoing foot injury got him benched by Panthers in 2019, after he led to the Super 50 and earned the 2015 NFL MVP award that. Newton recently made the case to still be a starter. This story was originally published January 9, 2022, 6:45 AM. The Panthers have been rotating quarterbacks throughout the season, and Newton could regain control of the offense if Darnold struggles. 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. Translation: Carolina instantly became Rhule's team. Whether or not Cam Newton can save the Carolina Panthers' sinking season remains to be seen. . (Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports) Cam Newton. It did before Newton burst onto the scene and will thrive long after hes gone. A star with the Carolina Panthers earlier in his career, the former No. 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. His career is over. Such savings areidealfor a franchise looking to rebuild its roster, but they became vital when the Panthers signed Bridgewater. He said discipline is the key to countering . Placed on IR (foot) Matthew Stafford, Lions. When I first got here, it was a lot of uncertainty about how long I'd be here. Sports columnist Scott Fowler has written for The Charlotte Observer since 1994. They understood what Keep Pounding meant, Newton said. Learn how your comment data is processed. Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio believes there are reasons for that, and it's not exactly that he's not able to play anymore: No former NFL MVP would ever likely admit that they couldn't start somewhere, so it's no surprise that the quarterback maintains his belief that he could start. Through an odd set of circumstances, though, the Panthers then re-signed Newton 19 months later. Coach Ron Rivera told reporters Tuesday that the starting quarterback wouldn't participate in Thursday's game versus the Chicago. Instead of opting for Newton, there are many options available, with Justin Fields, Jameis Winston, Tua Tagovailoa, and Trevor Lawrence. Remember when he got destroyed in the Super Bowl and the narrative was, he WILL be back and multiple times? In 2020,. He never made excuses or complained about the inherent unfairness of life in the NFL. 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 . May 25, 2022 9:12 AM EDT When the Panthers brought back Cam Newton last season, it was never a long-term play. Goodbye again, Cam. Hes revered by teammates. Hell undoubtedly be back in the Panthers stadium to join the teams Hall of Honor in a few years and likely before that. He also added 934 rushes for 4,806 yards and 58 touchdowns. Despite that, he remains unsigned just a week away from the NFL's opening Sunday. Because he won some games 7-10 seasons ago? A post shared by Kyle Allen (@kyle_allen) on Oct 27, 2019 at 9:01am PDT. He's experienced enough, and aware enough, to know what it sounded like. Allow me to enumerate: 1. Incumbent starter Baker Mayfield suffered a similar injury and is expected to be out for the next few weeks. Scott Fitterer told #PFTPM that Newton could possibly return again to the Panthers. Washington has a promising second-year passer in Dwayne Haskins and multiple options with the No. With every passing week and with every win under Kyle Allen, I begin to think my theory is correct. A less charitable reading says that the Saints dismissed Newton out of hand in favor of starting either Trevor Siemian or Taysom Hill. 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. Cam looked pretty good the 1st week as a starter for NE against Seattle but was awful from that point on. The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. The Panthers are cutting him loose. Cam Newton Casually Sitting In The William and Mary Student Section During Today's Homecoming Game Versus Delaware! The native son of the Carolinas brought football to his home region, changing the course of the history of two states. But Newton had been dealing with shoulder issues throughout 2018, and the Panthers finally shut him down after a Week 15 performance against the Saints in which he completed 16 of 29 passes for 131 yards, no touchdowns and one interception. Please logout and login again. There's absolutely no getting away from that. 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. Why is he revered in the locker room? His uniform will likely be clean, his dignity intact, his future uncertain. 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. Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton is reportedly not close to getting back on the football field. There was very little attention given to the former Carolina Panther this offseason. You likely do, too, just to see what would happen next. The Panthers are in the midst of a historic down cycle theyve never had four losing seasons in a row until now. Photograph: Joe Camporeale/USA Today Sports The quarterback was one of the most feared players in the league. Read what head coach Frank Reich said to the media during his press conference at the Combine on Wednesday. There was so much potential for the Heisman Trophy winner to be one of the more successful players the league has ever seen. It was a nice, heart-warming reunion for the first few weeks of his return, but nothing more than that. Charlotte still has a parade it wants to throw you. On Friday, shortly after he . Newton doesnt owe football anything. ESPN Stats & Information. 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. 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. 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.". 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. 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. You guessed it. A Super Bowl appearance. 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 the likelihood is he wont. 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. 1 overall pick fits the profile of a team that has been willing to move aggressively, including making 13 trades this calendar year alone.