According to David Newton of ESPN, the Carolina Panthers have decided to bring back quarterback Cam Newton to try and get their season back on track. Newton was the face of the Panthers franchise from 2011 to 2019, before spending one year with the New England Patriots.
In that time, the Panthers have had Kyle Allen, Teddy Bridgewater and Sam Darnold at quarterback. Carolina has simply not been all that effective as they have had a record of 14 wins and 25 losses for a winning percentage of .359.
Even though Newton was on the Panthers roster for the 2019 season, that year was mostly Allen’s team, as Newton only played two games that year with a broken foot. The terms of the contract are one year and up to $10 million.
Newton has not played this season. Right before the 2021 National Football League regular season began. Newton was released by the New England Patriots as the team decided Mac Jones would be their quarterback of the future.
The Panthers currently find themselves in the basement in the NFC South. At four wins and five losses, Carolina overestimated the skillsets of Bridgewater and Darnold, who have simply been ineffective over the last two years.
Newton meanwhile has been the face of the Panthers in his career. In 125 games, he has a record of 68 wins, 55 losses, and one tie. Fifteen of those wins came in 2015, as the Panthers went to the Super Bowl before losing 24-10 to the Denver Broncos. A three-time Pro Bowler and 2015 NFL MVP in Carolina, Newton completed 2371 passes in 3980 attempts for 29041 yards. 182 touchdowns and 108 interceptions. On the ground with Carolina, Newton had 934 rushes for 4806 yards and 58 touchdowns.
It will be interesting to see how long it will take Newton to be the Panthers starter again and replace Darnold on the depth chart in Carolina. Remember, the Panthers have a different coach in Matt Rhule, since Newton was there.
