![](https://heavy.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/GettyImages-1173197689-e1636656037667.jpg?quality=65&strip=all&w=780)
Getty Cam Newton
The Carolina Panthers are signing Cam Newton to a one-year deal worth as much as $10 million, pending a physical.
Newton’s signing was the biggest NFL news during the AM of Thursday, November 11. NFL Twitter exploded after the news hit.
ALL the latest Patriots news straight to your inbox! Join the Heavy on Patriots newsletter here!
Radio personality Ramona Hollowaytook to Twitter to welcome home her “football bae.”
Fox 46 News’ Grace Remington speaks to the novelty of having Newton and Charlotte Hornets star LaMelo Ball in the Queen City at the same time.
WCNC’s Shamaria Morrison posted a teaser to a report that will cover the impact of Newton’s return on the local economy. Think LeBron James comes back to Cleveland, but perhaps on a slightly smaller scale.
The Cleveland Browns Myles Garrett showed love to Newton upon his return.
ESPN’s David Newton has a reference to DJ Moore’s comments about Newton’s vibe hitting everyone in the locker room. Newton tweeted:
Panthers linebacker Shaq Thompson said he was surprised to hear about Newton’s return:
NBC Charlotte’s Ashley Stroehlein captured this bit from Panthers head coach Matt Rhule’s session with the media discussing the signing.
Former Patriots and Panthers teammate Damiere Byrd posted this fitting tweet in Newton’s signature font:
Patriots running back James White had similar sentiments.
ALL the latest Patriots news straight to your inbox! Join the Heavy on Patriots newsletter here!
How Did We Get Here?
Newton spent the first nine years of his career with the Panthers before being released before the 2020 season. Newton signed a one-year deal with the New England Patriots in July 2020. He and the Patriots struggled to generate a successful offense in 2020 because of Newton’s lack of familiarity with the Patriots’ system, a potential mismatch in fit, poor weapons in the passing game and the veteran’s throwing issues.
He did lead the Patriots in rushing TDs and finished second on the team in rushing yards while also taking a strong leadership role. This and the hopes of improvement over his first season in New England led to the Patriots bringing him back on another one-year deal before the start of the 2021 season. The Patriots drafted Mac Jones with the No. 15 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft and held a QB competition between Newton and the rookie.
It appeared as though Newton would be the starter for most of training camp and the preseason. He took first-team reps throughout. However, Newton had to miss 5 days after a COVID-19 protocol misstep, but he returned to start the final preseason game. Still, the Patriots chose to release Newton and award Jones with the starting spot.
Newton has been sitting and waiting for the right opportunity since, and it appears the Panthers was the team to step up.
When Will Cam Newton Debut?
While there are some obvious similarities between the players and members of the Panthers organization, Newton will still have a transition to navigate.
The Panthers’ QB situation is dire, which explains why they decided to turn to Newton. Because Sam Darnold is injured and his backup PJ Walker has limited experience, there is a chance he could make his debut as early as Sunday at the Arizona Cardinals.
However, it might be more ideal for the Panthers to give him another week for preparation. We all saw what happened last year when Newton played without ideal prep.
Follow the Heavy on Patriots Facebook page, where you can weigh in on all the latest Patriots-related breaking news, rumors, content and more!
ALSO READ:
- Cam Newton Finds New NFL Home, Contract Details Revealed
- Patriots RB Shares Surprising Childhood Feelings About His Current Team
- Patriots Coach Explains Why His Family ‘Wasn’t Well-Liked” in Cleveland
- Mac Jones Lands in Hot Water With Carolina Panthers
- Patriots Release Veteran Lineman to Make Room for Next Move
Comments
Twitter Reacts to Cam Newton Signing With the Panthers