The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Carolina says former MVP free to seek trade
Reports: Panthers reach deal with QB Teddy Bridgewater.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Panthers are parting ways with Cam Newton.
Carolina general manager Marty Hurney said Tuesday via Twitter the team is giving the 31-year-old Atlanta native permission to seek a trade — although the former league MVP responded by saying he never requested one.
Multiple media reports said the Panthers had reached an agreement with free agent quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, a former starter for the Vikings who has also played for the Jets and Saints.
Bridgewater went 5-0 for New Orleans last season when Drew Brees was sidelined by a thumb injury.
“Every year difficult decisions are made and they are never easy,” Hurney said. “We have been working with Cam and his agent to find the best fit for him moving forward and he will always be a Carolina Panther in our hearts.”
Newton was quick to respond to the Panthers on social media, saying he didn’t ask for the trade.
“Stop the word play!!” Newton tweeted. “I never asked for it!! There is no dodging this one; I love the Panthers to death and will always love you guys!! Please do not try and play me or manipulate the narrative and act like I wanted this: You forced me into this.”
Newton has battled shoulder and foot injuries the last two seasons and lost his last eight starts for the Panthers.
A former No. 1 overall pick, Newton made the Pro Bowl three times and was the NFL’s MVP in 2015 when he led the Panthers to the Super Bowl. He holds most of the franchise’s passing records and has run for more touchdowns than any QB in league history.
But Newton was coming off Lisfranc fracture in his left foot during the offseason and there was plenty of uncertainty around his future — partly because of his injury and partly because the team could save $19 million under the 2020 salary cap by trading or releasing him.
Panthers owner David Tepper, who has been noncommittal on Newton’s future with the team ever since last season, released what amounted to a goodbye statement Tuesday on Twitter saying “I wish him all of the best.”
“He’s one of the all-time greats in Panthers history,” Tepper said. “If you ask any of our fans for their most memorable moments, I’m willing to bet that most of them will include Cam — electrifying plays, giving away footballs after touchdowns, fun celebrations and big wins. His competitive and drive and rare. Off the field, you can’t measure Cam’s contributions. He has touched the lives of youths throughout the Carolinas and the Atlanta area.”
The decision to part ways with Newton is the latest in a complete organizational overhaul.
The team fired two-time Associated Press NFL Coach of the Year Ron Rivera with four games left in last season and hired a college coach, Baylor’s Matt Rhule, this offseason to take over. Nearly the entire coaching staff is new.
The Panthers previously released tight end Greg Olsen and middle linebacker Luke Kuechly abruptly retired. The team also allowed cornerback James Bradberry and defensive end Mario Addison — their top two free agents — to agree to terms with other teams.