Superman II: Panthers bring QB Newton back home
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Superman has returned.
Whether or not Cam Newton can rescue the Carolina Panthers’ sinking season remains to be seen.
The Panthers (4-5) announced they’ve signed Newton to a oneyear contract, bringing him back to the franchise that drafted him No. 1 overall in 2011 — and later cut him prior to the 2020 season after he lost eight straight games as a starter.
The deal is worth $10 million, including $4.5 million in fully guaranteed money and a $1.5 million roster bonus, according to a person familiar with the situation. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the team does not announce financial terms of players’ contracts.
“A healthy Cam Newton is a special player,” Panthers coach Matt Rhule said.
Carolina was in need of a quarterback after an MRI on Monday revealed starter Sam Darnold would miss at least four weeks with a incomplete fracture of his right shoulder blade. Rhule said he called Newton on Tuesday to gauge his interest in returning to Carolina, and the quarterback was excited about the possibility.
“He loves Charlotte. He loves the Carolina Panthers. He made that very clear to me,” Rhule said.
Rhule said P.J. Walker will still start Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals and Matt Barkley, signed off the Tennessee Titans practice squad earlier in the week, will serve as his primary backup. Rhule isn’t sure if Newton would be active this week because he hasn’t practiced yet.
Rhule wouldn’t speculate on if Newton would be the starter beyond this week, but general manager Scott Fitterer said Newton “came here to play” — and the money the Panthers invested in him for the final eight games of the season is a strong indication they plan on him being more than just a backup.
Newton spent nine seasons with the Panthers, throwing for 29,041 yards with 182 touchdown passes and 111 interceptions. He also set an NFL record for most career touchdowns rushing by a quarterback during his tenure in Carolina.
He won league MVP honors in 2015 when he combined for a career-best 45 touchdowns — 35 passing and 10 rushing — and helped the Panthers go 15-1 during the regular season and reach Super Bowl 50. However, Newton struggled on the game’s biggest stage and the Panthers lost 24-10 loss to Von Miller, Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos.
He’s not been able to return to that MVP level since.
Newton is 7-16 in his last 23 starts with 20 interceptions and 17 touchdown passes. He’s run for 16 touchdowns during that span. He was released on Aug. 31 after one season with the New England Patriots, with coach Bill Belichick going with rookie Mac Jones as his starting QB.