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. 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. Cam Newton visits various locations around Charlotte during his annual Santa Cam's Surprise Sleigh on Tuesday, December 11, 2018. The. According to ESPN's David Newton, while the Panthers have visited with Carr, it's mostly been out of due diligence. The Panthers (4-5) announced they've agreed to a one-year contact with Newton, bringing him. 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. emotional return to Bank of America Stadium. The arm isnt what it once was. While it might be hard to admit, Newton is at the end 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. "He's all about what's next and what he wants to do. Theres absolutely no getting away from that. According to The Athletic, teams also have expressed concerns about the shoulder injury that impacted Newton's 2018 season and also resulted in surgery. 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. There was opportunities for us to move the ball.". ", 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. It was a nice, heart-warming reunion for the first few weeks of his return, but nothing more than that. Many times those are the same thing. USA TODAY Cam Newton's return to the Carolina Panthers has gone from triumphant to turbulent. Everyone else is about like us. Hes revered by teammates. A Super Bowl appearance. In truth, Newtons probably done. He took more hits than any quarterback during his time and it wasn't particularly close. Is hard reset only way to salvage Jets QB dilemma? The news of Cam Newton's release from the Patriots was shocking, but it didn't catch anyone off guard. 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. This has led to questions from fans and media alike. 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. His most recent press conference came Dec. 26, after the last Tampa Bay game. 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. What would have been much more fitting for Newton: a home game, a win, a fine performance and a ride into the sunset. Florio's belief is not without validity. Walker and Jacob Eason as the top two healthy quarterbacks on the roster. The former MVP quarterback agreed to a contract with the Panthers on Thursday morning, the team announced. There has been no parade down Tryon Street for Newton or these Panthers, who have lost six games in a row and are about to complete their fourth straight losing season. Newton will exit with class. For more information, please read our Legal Disclaimer. There was very little attention given to the former Carolina Panther this offseason. "Growing up, it was always . Enjoy retirement. MORE: Cam Newton contract details: How much is Panthers QB making in 2021? See video, posts and updates straight from Indianapolis as Panthers leaders speak to the media. But mostly Newton is about to stand on the sideline once again for a 5-11 team that has lost six in a row. 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. At a minimum, the starter would have to have a sufficiently strong grip on his job to not feel threatened by that. Something he was reportedly willing to accept on the right franchise. And how quickly you react can make all the difference. Cam Newton during the Carolina Panthers game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on October, 29, 2017, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. 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. "Our fans aren't paying money to watch us win in two years. Cam Newton smiles against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, Nov 4, 2018. Though the quarterback said he gained some "closure" and learned a lot about himself over the past. SIZE Quarterbacks may look smaller on the field, but that is only because they are surrounded by freakin' giants. Cam Newton leaps in the air as he rushes the ball during the game against the Giants on Sun., Oct. 7, 2018. That doesn't necessarily mean Newton won't play, though. he may have beena leader and revered 10 yrs ago, but now he is looked at as a joke in the locker room, im sure the younger guys are like nice outfit boomer! Speculation about teams not being keen on his big personality making things difficult for their starting option was asinine. 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. Christian McCaffrey celebrates a touchdown with Cam Newton against the Seattle Seahawks at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, November 25, 2018. The Panthers began playing in 1995 and Richardson owned them until 2018, when he sold the team under pressure to current owner David Tepper. Cam always left the impression that he never read the playbook. Those issues haven't magically been fixed just because the team signed Cam Newton, they've just been kicked down the road. 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. 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.". Inaugural Keep Pounding High School Classic features Northwestern High School and Providence Day School. Their rookie quarterback Matt Corral has sustained a Lisfranc injury and Sam Darnold's ankle sprain might keep him away from some games. Newton had the shortest leash of any Panthers quarterback. The NFL MVP of old is no longer and is in the past. At the same time, you're trying to build a Super Bowl-caliber team. 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. That has been life for the Panthers, really, for the past four years. The founder and former owner of the Panthers passed away on Wednesday night. They dont treat black mobile QBs like QBs, Justin Fields run and slide and is hit again, The Mayor of Trey Town, PlumDawg Millionaire. Newton isnt. Newton then played one season with the New. You guessed it. 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. All picks and predictions are suggestions only. That kind of self-doubt is not what we're used to hearing from 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. 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. Cam Newton has always had one of the biggest personalities in the NFL. They want to win now, they want to win this year, and they want to win next year. 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. Panthers coach Ron Rivera is hesitant to play Newton due to the rib injury he suffered in a preseason game last month against the New England Patriots, sources told Mortensen. Cams just getting started with us so well probably, more realistic to shoot for next week. 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. Does he have a roster seat in the 2022 NFL? Scott Fitterer told #PFTPM that Newton could possibly return again to the Panthers. Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson speaks during a news conference for the NFL football team in Charlotte, N.C., Jan. 15, 2013. Does Cam Newton still have what it takes to be a starter in the. 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. Zac Al-Khateeb is a content producer for The Sporting News. He had a 33-yard run against the Bucs and showed he can still make plays in that part of the game, but it's not working in the passing game, which is why Darnold was playing. Social media reacts to Cam Newton's return to Carolina, NFL Throwback: Cam Newton's Top 10 plays in Carolina. 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. A familiar smiling face will be back on the sidelines for Carolina on Sunday. Newton was released Tuesday just a week after the Panthers announced they had given the 30-year-old . 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 . One of the best things about Newton has always been the thrum of possibility every time he breaks the huddle. Just after he signed a one-year contract with the Carolina Panthers, his original NFL team, quarterback Cam Newton held a press conference. Peak Cam Newton was fun to watch but its been 5-6 years since hes been that guy. 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). Not a member? Im telling you, you cant make up a lie this good, Newton said at the time. There are no guarantees the 32-year-old Newton could be a long-term answer. One quarterback that wasn't expected to be released on Tuesday was former Panther, Cam Newton. 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. Perhaps Newton is at peace with leaving the game behind. I know that. They understood what Keep Pounding meant, Newton said. quarterback Cam Newton got Richardson to dab during . All betting content is intended for an audience ages 21+. 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. 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. This reminds me of Cam Newton in his prime. His shoulder took a huge hit from TJ Watt and it was never the same. The Panthers are in the midst of a historic down cycle theyve never had four losing seasons in a row until now. CHARLOTTE Cam Newton opened his press conference Sunday night by using past tense verbs. Hell undoubtedly be back in the Panthers stadium to join the teams Hall of Honor in a few years and likely before that. 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. "But I'm going to look that lion in the eyeball, and not blink.". And clearly, the opportunity is there for this to make a significant impact. Scott Fowler is a national award-winning sports columnist for The Charlotte Observer. Nothing lasts forever and father time waits for no man. Allow me to enumerate: 1. Since then, Newton has been out of work. Cam Newton Carolina Panthers against Dallas Cowboys at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina on Sunday, September 9, 2018. The distraction is not just welcome, it's intoxicating, and in two. But this isn't about the years to come, or the things he's done in the past. Be the first one to comment on this story. This leaves P.J. 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. Newton is not listed on the team's depth chart as of Sunday: P.J. Cam Newton during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, September 23, 2018. . 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. An All-Pro nod. 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. "Growing up, that guy was always Cam Newton for me. Let's dive deeper and get to know all about Cam Newton's 2022 season. Yeah, that kid warming up in the commercial laughs at that too. Cam Newton is back with Carolina. The recent tape doesnt lie, nostalgia the old Cam is still out there, we can fix him! does. And now he's in this spot. Its been a chaotic week for Carolina Panthers fans in both good and bad ways. Steve Smith visits Cam Newton during Panthers practice on Thursday, September 6, 2018. A slew of injuries at the position could change things, obviously. It's also what likely hinders teams from adding him as a backup.. A total of 240 touchdowns. Trading a player who's technicallyinjured is difficult enough in a typical year. In just his second start this season for the franchise he led for nearly a decade, Newton was. 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. Cant wait to see what outfits he wears in retirement. "I don't necessarily know what the future holds," he said. Cam Newton celebrates after a touchdown during the game against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018, at Bank of America Stadium. They gave him the opportunity to not only win the starting job for the. Why is he revered in the locker room? Cam Newton, the franchise's No. "There are four teams in the NFC with more than six wins. Real-time updates and all local stories you want right in the palm of your hand. Cam Newton 's preseason debut will wait at least one more week. 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. The former Auburn sensation has a good relationship with plenty of personnel within the organization and roster, which could also assist. Such savings areidealfor a franchise looking to rebuild its roster, but they became vital when the Panthers signed Bridgewater. He's choosing not to sign anywhere yet so he can make a fully informed decision about his future . I dont think so. Newton was part of building something special. 2023 Minute Media - All Rights Reserved. Even if he lands up against the Panthers this season, chances are low that he will start games for them. 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. Observer experts pick the score, Want to watch the Carolina Panthers-Tampa Bay Buccaneers game on TV? Why did the Panthers cut Cam Newton? 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. As columnist Scott Fowler wrote today, this being Newton's last. He has authored or co-authored eight books, including four about the Carolina Panthers. "The guy makes big catches. A post shared by Cam Newton (@cameron1newton) on Aug 27, 2019 at 10:23am PDT. 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. 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. 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. ESPN Stats & Information. Please logout and login again. For Newton, there wasn't going to be a fairytale ending. Of all the knocks surrounding Newton fair or otherwise throughout his career, one thing that cannot be disputed is leadership and the esteem in which the quarterback is held among his peers. 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. Carolina Panthers celebrate after defeating the Arizona Cardinals to win the NFC Conference Championship. Newton was a free agent because the Patriots surprisingly cut him Aug. 31. No team has shown any interest in signing him this year. Part of me believes that there is still some juice left in the tank. They are bigger than most people who play that position. 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. He stood by on the sideline as Darnold played the late stages, watching helplessly as the game perhaps his last one here ended. Photograph: Joe Camporeale/USA Today Sports The quarterback was one of the most feared players in the league. Last year, the Panthers brought back quarterback Cam Newton for a second stint. This story was originally published January 9, 2022, 6:45 AM. Sunday will likely be the last time Cam Newton suits up as a Carolina Panther; his contract expires at the end of the season. The Carolina Panthers didn't wait long to put Cam Newton on the active roster. Your favorite teams, topics, and players all on your favorite mobile devices. Dude is more interested in how he looks at post game press conference than on the field. 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. The Panthers are in trouble again this season. And when it doesn't happen, like right now, you feel empty. (Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports) Cam Newton. It was a difficult situation for Newton. 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. MORE: Why the Cam Newton-Panthers reunion is a bad idea for Carolina. Expanded coverage of Carolinas Week 18 game. Carolina Panthers news fromFanSided Daily, 4 Panthers players who havent matched offseason hype in 2022, 4 changes making a big difference for Panthers under Steve Wilks, didnt rule out the prospect of Newton coming back, reportedly willing to accept on the right franchise, 4 former Panthers players that should follow Jeff Saturday's lead, Bowling Green vs. Toledo Prediction, Odds, Spread and Over/Under for College Football Week 12, Watch: Carolina Panthers legend tackles insane military obstacle course, Robbie Anderson aiming to put Panthers nightmare behind him, 3 reasons why the Dallas Cowboys should call Cam Newton. The Patriots decided that rookie Mac Jones is ready to take over as the starter and that. . Free agent quarterback Cam Newton hasn't signed with a team yet, but it's not for lack of offers. 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. Cam Newton had an unusual 2021 season, with the Patriots surprisingly cutting him before the season, the Panthers surprisingly picking him up in the middle of the season, and sitting on the bench . Then again, these Panthers don't exactly operate using rational thinking and conventional wisdom. Including Cam Newton. 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. Sunday, Newton was 7-of-13 for 61 yards and an interception. The one-year deal is worth up to $10 million . (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images) Cam Newton. Coach Ron Rivera told reporters Tuesday that the starting quarterback wouldn't participate in Thursday's game versus the Chicago. So why is Cam so "Quentin-esque," you ask? The Panthers named Sam Darnold as the starter with Newton as his primary backup. Then the Titans re-signed Ryan Tannehill to a long-term deal. Placed on IR (foot) Matthew Stafford, Lions. Copyright 2023 Sporting News Holdings Limited. "I don't know what the future holds," Newton said. Newton brought much-needed energy to a Panthers team (5-5) that had lost five of its past six games and faced long odds against the Cardinals, who entered the day with an NFL-best 8-1 record. Since then, its been 7-9, 5-11, 5-11 and either 5-12 or 6-11 this season. It's been commonly echoed on social media that Newton. He was 86 . 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. 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. He has played for 11 seasons, primarily with the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League (NFL). He is currently a free agent and is looking for the right team to sign him up. The Panthers are left with QB Baker Mayfield and PJ Walker. In short, Tepper's Rhule hire led to Brady, and Brady's background/plan for the offenseled to the Bridgewater signing. Cam Newton and Julius Peppers laugh on the sidelines during a week 8 game against the Baltimore Ravens at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, October 28, 2018. 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. "Jerry Richardson's contributions to professional football in the Carolinas are historic," Panthers owners David and Nicole Tepper said in a statement. Cam Newton was seen as raw coming out of Auburn, and he still went No. (Photo by Melissa Melvin-Rodriguez). . Kind of sad. In his second start in his second stint with the Panthers, Newton. He said discipline is the key to countering . 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 . Cam was overrated most of his career. The good is the franchise cutting ties with Matt Rhule, with the bad being the injuries that have begun to mount at quarterback. 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!". His performance at NE was always panic and flop sweat or improvising because he didnt know who the secondary receivers were or the routes. Washington has a promising second-year passer in Dwayne Haskins and multiple options with the No. 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. At 4-5, the Panthers are still very much in the mix for one of the seven playoff spots available in the NFC. Cam Newton has had more than a decade-long career, mostly with the Carolina Panthers. With injuries mounting at the quarterback position, could the Carolina Panthers consider giving a call to their former franchise quarterback Cam Newton? Because he won some games 7-10 seasons ago? A less charitable reading says that the Saints dismissed Newton out of hand in favor of starting either Trevor Siemian or Taysom Hill. 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. So why are Barnes and Newton similar in this category? 1 pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, a selection Carolina had acquired after finishing2010with a 2-14 record. comparing him to dan marino, come on, that is 1 of the most ridiculous comparisons in history. The visit to Dr. Anderson in Green Bay is to learn why his condition isnt improving, source said. It's something that has set him apart from other players. Offensive rookie of the year. Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 1, 2019. "I see a lot of guys come up on the stage or the podium in a coward's way, directly or indirectly," he said. 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. CHARLOTTE Everyone has a plan. 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. Endings usually arent tidy in the NFL. The Panthers couldn't trade Cam Newton Carolina failed to find a team willing to trade for Newton for two reasons: the quarterback's health issues that contributed to the Panthers'. MORE:Why Cam Newton is the Patriots' best option to replace Tom Brady. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. It sold tickets and created excitement. The native son of the Carolinas brought football to his home region, changing the course of the history of two states. "Whether it's me, I don . Friday was a walkthrough, and Saturday was slightly more intense. "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. The David and Nicole Tepper Foundation supported the first-of-its-kind in Mecklenburg County project, which offers urgent care for behavioral health needs.