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The wait for Cam Newton has come to an end.
According to the Carolina Panthers official Twitter account on Thursday, November 11, Newton has agreed to a contract to re-join his former team.
#Panthers agree to terms with Cam Newton
ESPN insider Adam Schefter reports that Newton’s deal could be worth a maximum of $10 million for the remainder of the 2021 season and “includes $4.5M fully guaranteed + $1.5M roster bonus.”
Newton began his career with the Panthers back in 2011, winning Offensive Rookie of the Year after being drafted first overall by Carolina. Newton also led the team to the Super Bowl at the end of the 2015 season and captured NFL MVP that season.
While RB Christian McCaffery is immensely popular and loved in Carolina, Newton remains one of the most iconic figures in franchise history.
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On November 9, former Panthers safety Tre Boston went public asking for the Panthers to “GO GET CAM!!”
GO GET CAM!! Simple!! At least give yourself a shot on Offense! Defense is playing the best I’ve seen since 2015!! Give them a chance while the NFC is down in total! Slide 7th seed and make a run! Does this make sense or am I trippin?! Maybe I am trippin! Tell me who trippin!😏🤔
NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported on Thursday that, “Cam Newton had a good meeting with owner David Tepper, GM Scott Fitterer and VP of Football Operations Stephen Drummond. He had previously met with coach Matt Rhule. An honest conversation that needed to happen. They cleared the air and will move forward.”
Carolina’s quarterback situation has been less than ideal for multiple reasons. Sam Darnold suffered a fractured scapula in the team’s loss to the New England Patriots in Week 9. He is expected to miss time and his current backup, PJ Walker, isn’t seen as a viable option to replace him.
Newton was a smart option because even when Darnold has been healthy, he has struggled mightily much of the season, completing just 59.5% of his 306 pass attempts with a 7:11 touchdown-to-interception ratio through nine games. Darnold has now thrown at least 11 picks in each of his first four seasons in the league, having never started more than 13 games in any single campaign.
Most recently, he played poorly in the loss to the Patriots including two egregious interceptions thrown to Patriots star JC Jackson, one of which was returned for a touchdown. Because of the Panthers’ need at QB, their strong defense and the presence of playmakers like McCaffery and DJ Moore, and Newton’s connections with the franchise, it feels like the best possible situation for the veteran QB.
A Look Back at Newton’s 2020 Season
Newton’s 2020 season wasn’t his best by any stretch, but there may be a little more value there than you’ll mostly hear him getting credit for from some members of the media and fans.
Yes, Newton threw more interceptions (10) than touchdowns (8) and he had a 7-8 QB record in the 15 games he played in last season. However, it’s important to note he also had an epically poor receiving corps where Jakobi Meyers (59 receptions) wound up emerging as the top option with second place being Damiere Byrd who had just 47 catches.
The tight end situation in 2020 was far and away the worst in the NFL, and Newton signed late in training camp and caught COVID-19 three weeks into the season while the team had gotten off to a 2-1 start. Still, Newton led the Patriots in rushing touchdowns (12) and he was the team’s second-leading rusher with 592 yards.
Newton wasn’t spectacular, but he was far from the washed-underachieving legend that many describe. It’ll take some time for Newton to get comfortable, but this could be a strong fit.
How Newton Signing With Carolina Could Help the Patriots
The Patriots have a vested interest in Newton signing elsewhere. Per Patriots salary cap expert Miguel Benzan, the Patriots could get a $1.5 million credit on their 2022 cap.
If Cam Newton were to sign with the Panthers this season the Patriots would receive a credit on their 2022 cap. Maximum credit = $1.5M. Example – signs for the minimum next week. The Patriots would then receive a $477,778 credit on their 2022 cap.
While this might not seem like a big deal this year, you never know how the extra funds might facilitate a move for the Patriots next season. Perhaps it even helps a tad bit with the offer the team is able to give to Odell Beckham Jr., assuming there is a multi-year agreement.
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Cam Newton Finds New NFL Home, Contract Details Revealed