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 . Even if Newton is well past his prime and no longer the same player he was four years ago. Yeah, that kid warming up in the commercial laughs at that too. 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. Free agent quarterback Cam Newton hasn't signed with a team yet, but it's not for lack of offers. Be the first one to comment on this story. Instead of opting for Newton, there are many options available, with Justin Fields, Jameis Winston, Tua Tagovailoa, and Trevor Lawrence. Who should stay, who should go, Who wins between Panthers, Bucs in season finale? 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. 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. He made the Carolina Panthers relevant and impacted so many young fans and athletes. His most recent press conference came Dec. 26, after the last Tampa Bay game. He never made excuses or complained about the inherent unfairness of life in the NFL. I floated a while ago that Cam Newtons days of throwing footballs for the Carolina Panthers could be over. Which is abysmal in todays NFL. Cameron Jerrell Newton (born May 11, 1989) is an American football quarterback who is a free agent. There was so much potential for the Heisman Trophy winner to be one of the more successful players the league has ever seen. Hes revered by teammates. Im telling you, you cant make up a lie this good, Newton said at the time. Including Cam Newton. 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. 3-4-1 record. Register now! So it's a balancing act of doing what's right long-term and trying to win at the same time. The Panthers are left with QB Baker Mayfield and PJ Walker. Cam Newton, the franchise's No. 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. 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. Simply put, Cam Newton is where he is today because his body could not exactly withstand everything the Panthers asked it to. Darnold is under contract with the Panthers for 2022, after all. According to ESPN's David Newton, while the Panthers have visited with Carr, it's mostly been out of due diligence. 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. On the sideline, I had a moment where you look back over the year at guys who taught you, Newton said afterward. 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. I dont think so. The one-year deal is worth up to $10 million . A new coach meant a new vision, whichmeant a new staff of assistants and, eventually, a new franchise passer. 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. Newton has been absolutely horrendous in his last several starts. Inaugural Keep Pounding High School Classic features Northwestern High School and Providence Day School. I have a lot of respect for fans that believe that Newton can still play and help their team to victory. This story was originally published January 9, 2022, 6:45 AM. 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. 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. MORE: Cam Newton contract details: How much is Panthers QB making in 2021? 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). Inaugural Keep Pounding High School Classic features Northwestern High School and Providence Day School. Translation: Carolina instantly became Rhule's team. 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. As long as you can win with Kyle Allen, the Panthers simply cant take him off of the field. The founder and former owner of the Panthers passed away on Wednesday night. The Panthers began playing in 1995 and Richardson owned them until 2018, when he sold the team under pressure to current owner David Tepper. Those issues haven't magically been fixed just because the team signed Cam Newton, they've just been kicked down the road. The Patriots decided that rookie Mac Jones is ready to take over as the starter and that. I would say probably not very likely," Rhule said Friday about Newton's availability. Bill Romanowski, former NFL linebacker and all-around doer of dumb things, had some. And it does feel unfair sometimes. Their rookie quarterback Matt Corral has sustained a Lisfranc injury and Sam Darnold's ankle sprain might keep him away from some games. "My job is to try to win right now," Panthers head coach Matt Rhule said Wednesday afternoon. For more information, please read our Legal Disclaimer. This team wants to win. 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. Goodbye again, Cam. "He's all about what's next and what he wants to do. Together again pic.twitter.com/PXGaVTvvZX. ESPN Stats & Information. But that would have felt gratuitous, Rhule said later, intimating that Newton wanted no part of such a gesture. "Growing up, that guy was always Cam Newton for me. 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. 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. Scott Fowler is a national award-winning sports columnist for The Charlotte Observer. Sam Darnold will start and may play the whole game unless he gets hurt. Really, no one could this team was too far gone. The Panthers are cutting him loose. "I don't know what the future holds," Newton said. Dude is more interested in how he looks at post game press conference than on the field. 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. The referenced media source is missing and needs to be re-embedded. CHARLOTTE Everyone has a plan. It's an issue that has plagued Panthers quarterbacks since Newton, leading to injuries for several guys. Newtons had a rough shake of things. 1 overall pick fits the profile of a team that has been willing to move aggressively, including making 13 trades this calendar year alone. Cam Newton visits various locations around Charlotte during his annual Santa Cam's Surprise Sleigh on Tuesday, December 11, 2018. and even when the offense messed a play up, Cam would turn it in to a 15yd gain. Walker is listed as the starter, with Matt Barkley as the backup. 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. Placed on IR (foot) Matthew Stafford, Lions. And with the way their defense is currently playing, raising the level on offense makes them a more difficult matchup in November and December. A post shared by Kyle Allen (@kyle_allen) on Oct 27, 2019 at 9:01am PDT. The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. 2023 Minute Media - All Rights Reserved. One of the best things about Newton has always been the thrum of possibility every time he breaks the huddle. Its a shame that Newton may never win a Super Bowl as a starter or even a backup. 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. As for the busy quarterback market during NFL free agency, itonly compoundedissues forthe Panthers as they searched for a trade partner. 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. Something he was reportedly willing to accept on the right franchise. 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. The Panthers have been rotating quarterbacks throughout the season, and Newton could regain control of the offense if Darnold struggles. Updated. Part of me believes that there is still some juice left in the tank. In the aftermath of the draft, G.M. Mosley noted the Panthers run distracting motions and shifts to pull defensive playmakers away from Newton's designed runs. The Panthers were impressed with the Alabama quarterback after meeting him this week, and they've acknowledged the possibility of trading up to get in position for him. Now, in theory, Newton could land with any of those teams as an unrestricted free agent. #Panthers QB Cam Newton hasnt played since mid-September & his sprained foot is not getting better. Richardson died peacefully March 1, 2023, at his Charlotte . See video, posts and updates straight from Indianapolis as Panthers leaders speak to the media. Walker and Jacob Eason as the top two healthy quarterbacks on the roster. On many, Newton runs the ball, as thats now clearly what hes best at doing. He suffered a Lisfranc injury on a sack that ultimately ended his time with the Panthers in the first go around. The arm isnt what it once was. Last season when Darnold went down due to injury, the Panthers brought back their former franchise player Newton to help fill in. The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. 1. In 2020, Newton signed a one-year deal with the Patriots and started all 15 games as their leading quarterback. The quarterback reportedly suffered the injury in a win vs. the Falcons, but played through it the following week in a loss to the Patriots. As I recall, Dan Marino also got destroyed in a Super Bowl. 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. Just after he signed a one-year contract with the Carolina Panthers, his original NFL team, quarterback Cam Newton held a press conference. Despite that, he remains unsigned just a week away from the NFL's opening Sunday. That worked for a while, but it ultimately led to the quarterback's body breaking down. 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. Its been complicated at times, but overall its been a blast. The trade for Baker Mayfield likely slams that door shut. Newton set a standard for how the future quarterback should look and play. Father time has caught up though and he is no longer good enough, Got alligator arms in the Super Bowl and has always been more concerned about what hat and outfit he wears than actually trying to be a professional. For Newton, there wasn't going to be a fairytale ending. Come back and see us sometime. Sunday will likely be the last time Cam Newton suits up as a Carolina Panther; his contract expires at the end of the season. One quarterback that wasn't expected to be released on Tuesday was former Panther, Cam Newton. 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. But in the NFL it rarely happens that way. Newton started in five games but could not lead his side to a single victory. Friday was a walkthrough, and Saturday was slightly more intense. Associated Press July 27, 2013, 2:50 PM. . Cam Newton celebrates a touchdown during a game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, November 26, 2017. Benched. Kyle Allen has looked very solid in replacement duty. Newton surely cravedan extension he publicly requested "a little commitment" in a NSFW Instagram video a few weeks ago and the Panthers were not willing to add years and dollars to the contract of a 30-year-old quarterback whose last two seasons were marred by injuries (more on those later), especially as they transitioned to a new offense. Photograph: Joe Camporeale/USA Today Sports The quarterback was one of the most feared players in the league. "No . Cam Newton, Panthers. A total of 240 touchdowns. Newton's ability to run also matters, since the Panthers have tried to establish that as part of their identity in recent weeks. It's something that has set him apart from other players. MORE: Why the Cam Newton-Panthers reunion is a bad idea for Carolina. Paired with Rivera, Newtonended up doing just that. 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. "I started calling myself Cam Jackson in 11th grade," Richardson said Friday at the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis. 5:26 PM on Mar 2, 2023 CST. 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. A Super Bowl appearance. NFL.com reports Newton, if active, could play in a small package of plays. "Jerry Richardson's contributions to professional football in the Carolinas are historic," Panthers owners David and Nicole Tepper said in a statement. One of the most over rated QBs ever. 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. But the player didnt do enough to completely remove Darnold from the equation and has been searching for a new home ever since. Cam Newton passes against the Minnesota Vikings at Bank of American Stadium on Sunday, December 10, 2017 in Charlotte, NC. Almost a full decade ago, the Panthers were preparing for what would be an easy decision with the No. Whether or not Cam Newton can save the Carolina Panthers' sinking season remains to be seen. It was a difficult situation for 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. See video, posts and updates straight from Indianapolis as Panthers leaders speak to the media. The news of Cam Newton's release from the Patriots was shocking, but it didn't catch anyone off guard. Cam Newton has always had one of the biggest personalities in the NFL. This was not the Cam Newton fans are used to seeing. Despite the firing of coach Rhule, what could the franchise do to boost fan morale and bring them back to Bank of America Stadium? When we presented the most ideal non-Panthers fits for Newton last month, we included the Titans, Chargers, Buccaneers and Patriots. Remember when he got destroyed in the Super Bowl and the narrative was, he WILL be back and multiple times? 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. If Newton plays well this season, he would become the favorite to be Carolina's starting quarterback in 2022.". (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images) Cam Newton. 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. Cam was overrated most of his career. 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. Then theres the fact that Newton cant really be just a guy on the depth chart. Once the team determined Darnold was essentially out indefinitely, it identified Newton as the best quarterback to lead a playoff run. 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. Your login session has expired. But until Newton officially calls it a day and hopefully retires as a Panther, those who idolize the signal-caller will always hold out hope. USA TODAY Cam Newton's return to the Carolina Panthers has gone from triumphant to turbulent. 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. It didnt generate many wins. Why has the NFL seemingly forgotten about former Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton despite some suspect play around the league? Only six had a higher passer rating than Newton's 103.7. At the time, Newton made it clear that he wanted to keep playing, but. 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. Newton recently made the case to still be a starter. Panthers fans cannot wait to see their favorite QB play this season. Learn how your comment data is processed. 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. IYER:Why the Redskins' rumored interest in Cam Newton makes sense. An NFL MVP award. "Hell, I want better.". Just trying to make big . 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. He was 86 . 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. 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. He's experienced enough, and aware enough, to know what it sounded like. But he could certainly be one of the league's more valuable backups. "I started calling myself Cam Jackson in 11th grade. Theyre off the table for now, and they likely will be for all of the coming season barring very significant and unexpected changes. 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!". All advice, including picks and predictions, is based on individual commentators opinions and not that of Minute Media or its related brands. The 2022 season was no exception, as Carolina played to a disappointing . Newton can say goodbye on his own terms. 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. And that's what he wants to do, that's where I am, and that's where this team is. Last season when Darnold went down due to injury, the Panthers brought back their former franchise player Newton to help fill in. ", As with his entire career, and recent press conferences, this one contained multitudes. Something Panthers fans need to realize, even with the injuries and uncertainty across the organization. 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 did not lose faith in their former QB and gave him a chance to start a few games last season. 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. 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. 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. He completed just 53.8 percent of his passes. Scott Fitterer told #PFTPM that Newton could possibly return again to the Panthers. 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. Incumbent starter Baker Mayfield suffered a similar injury and is expected to be out for the next few weeks. He also added 934 rushes for 4,806 yards and 58 touchdowns. With NFL coaching, perhaps Richardson can become a great quarterback like his idol and frequent comparison, Cam Newton. 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. Cam Newton during the Carolina Panthers game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on October, 29, 2017, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. Though the quarterback said he gained some "closure" and learned a lot about himself over the past. Cam Newton Carolina Panthers against Dallas Cowboys at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina on Sunday, September 9, 2018. 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. 1 overall draft selection in 2011 has done for the organization is nothing short of spectacular. 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. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. Hell undoubtedly be back in the Panthers stadium to join the teams Hall of Honor in a few years and likely before that. It seemed most people had a take or a theory ready about why head coach Bill Belichick. 1 pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, a selection Carolina had acquired after finishing2010with a 2-14 record. What the No. It did before Newton burst onto the scene and will thrive long after hes gone. 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. 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. Thats fine. 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. And when it doesn't happen, like right now, you feel empty. Since then, its been 7-9, 5-11, 5-11 and either 5-12 or 6-11 this season. That it just so happened to be the franchise's top signal-caller of all time was a coincidence. There's absolutely no getting away from that. 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 Panthers are in trouble again this season. Enjoy retirement. It's been commonly echoed on social media that Newton. Perhaps Newton is at peace with leaving the game behind. He has played for 11 seasons, primarily with the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League (NFL). 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. Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson speaks during a news conference for the NFL football team in Charlotte, N.C., Jan. 15, 2013. Bringing back the former No. . Sports columnist Scott Fowler has written for The Charlotte Observer since 1994. Trading a player who's technicallyinjured is difficult enough in a typical year. 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. 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. 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. All picks and predictions are suggestions only. While he wasn't getting into his own future, the immediate seems to be taking care of itself. Ended with a 85.2 QBR. Not a member? They gave him the opportunity to not only win the starting job for the. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Yeah, that kid warming up in the commercial laughs at that too. Eli Manning, Giants. Florio's belief is not without validity. There was opportunities for us to move the ball.". "I'm sure Cam Newton's not living on what he's done," Rhule said. Please logout and login again. What followed after indicated Newton is no longer the same guy that used to fly over the trenches at the goal line, using his power and size to run over defenses en route to touchdowns, and slinging the ball 60-yards downfield on a rope. This has led to questions from fans and media alike. Where is Cam Newton now? Cam Newton celebrates after a touchdown during the game against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018, at Bank of America Stadium.