End of an era
Quarterback parts ways with Panthers
Former MVP Newton released by Panthers after nine seasons
LOS ANGELES: Cam Newton, released by the Carolina Panthers on Tuesday, declared himself “free and hungry.”
The move saved the Panthers US$19.1 million in salary-cap space.
Newton, who turns 31 in May, is coming off a Lisfranc surgery and had a shoulder operation prior to the 2019 season. He received permission from the Panthers to seek a trade, and the team earlier signalled it was moving on with multiple moves at the quarterback position and what read like a farewell from ownership.
“Cam is one of the all-time greats in Panthers history,” owner David Tepper said in a statement. “If you ask any of our fans of their most memorable moments, I’m willing to bet that most of them would include Cam — electrifying plays, giving away footballs after touchdowns, fun celebrations and big wins. His competitiveness and drive are rare. Off the field, you can’t measure Cam’s contributions. He has touched the lives of youth throughout the Carolinas and in Atlanta. He’s unique and I wish him all the best.”
Newton replied on Instagram, using a highly embellished font next to a photo of himself doing weight training, “im FREE and HUNGRY!! noPITYparty justWORK! #shineTHRUtheSHADE #notFORlikesJUSTforLIFE 10VE”.
The No.1 pick in the 2011 draft, Newton was NFL MVP in 2015 when the Panthers lost in the Super Bowl to the Denver Broncos. He was a threetime Pro Bowl pick.
Combined with Newton, the Panthers have cleared around $40 million in cap space with the retirement of Luke Kuechly and releasing tight end Greg Olsen and defensive tackle Dontari Poe, per Spotrac.
Several teams have uncertain situations at quarterback one week into free agency. The New England Patriots signed Brian Hoyer after Tom Brady bolted for Tampa Bay, and the Los Angeles Chargers haven’t made a move since losing Philip Rivers to the Indianapolis Colts.
Newton and former Buccaneers No.1 overall pick Jameis Winston are among the options available for teams looking to upgrade at the position.
Newton was entering the final year of his contract. He had a salary cap figure of $21.1 million in 2020, including a base salary of $18.6 million. He signed a five-year, $103.8 million contract extension in 2015 that took effect with the 2016 season.
The Panthers signed free agent Teddy Bridgewater as the likely starter in 2020. Bridgewater was the backup to Drew Brees last season in New Orleans and went 5-0 as the Saints’ starter when Brees was injured.
Meanwhile NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has instructed clubs to close all team facilities, stepping up league efforts to combat the spread of new coronavirus.
According to a memo sent to all league clubs and reported on NFL. com, the shutdowns will continue to at least April 8. Goodell told the teams the rules are meant to “ensure that all clubs operate on a level playing field, and that the NFL continues to conduct itself in a responsible way at this time.”
All NFL clubs had already suspended normal business operations and barred players from team facilities unless they were there to receive medical treatment.
Most if not all clubs had a limited number of staff working in their offices even as health authorities around the United States recommended people stay at home in a bid to slow the spread of the virus.
Now Goodell has told clubs that from yesterday night the only personnel allowed at team facilities will be those providing ongoing medical treatment to players, and those required to maintain the security and operational capabilities of the facilities.
Teams will still be free to conduct the signing of players, long-distance evaluation of draft prospects, ticket sales and other tasks preparing for the 2020 season.
The annual NFL draft of new talent is still scheduled to take place on April 23-24, although the public events surrounding the selection process that had been planned in Las Vegas have been cancelled. The 2020 NFL season is due to begin on Sept 10.