November 11, 2021

  • David NewtonESPN Staff Writer

    Close

    • Covered Panthers, NFL for 11 years
    • More 25 years experience covering NFL, college football game and NASCAR
    • Joined ESPN in 2006

CHARLOTTE, Northward.C. -- A fan wearing a big grin and a black No. 1 Cam Newton jersey was at the entrance of Bank of America Stadium on Thursday less than an hour after news of the quarterback returning to the Carolina Panthers became official.

The sound of cars honking their horns reverberated off the nearby Morehead Street overpass next to him.

While rain clouds hung over the city, give-and-take that "Superman'' had returned to the team he took to Super Bowl fifty in 2015 was like a ray of sunshine, judging by the reaction of fans.

Newton was, and all the same is, the about iconic player in the history of a franchise built-in in 1995. The top pick of the 2011 draft electrified the Carolinas with his physical skills and eccentric fashion for seven years before injuries reduced him to a mere human his final ii seasons.

At 32, he won't exist Superman again.

But he is a humbled histrion wanting to bear witness himself again.

And he was the best option for a four-5 Carolina team that nonetheless has aspirations of making the playoffs in the second season under coach Matt Rhule, one of the decision-makers in releasing Newton in the spring of 2020.

The contract -- up to $x million the rest of year; $iv.v million fully guaranteed plus a $1.5 1000000 roster bonus -- shows this is a serious move and not but a way to win back fans who were upset when Newton was released.

"My task is to try to win right now," Rhule said Midweek, refusing to speculate on interest in Newton at that time. "Our fans aren't paying coin to watch u.s.a. win in 2 years. At the same time, you're trying to build a Super Bowl-caliber team. So it's a balancing act of doing what'south right long term and trying to win at the same time. Many times those are the same thing.

"There are four teams in the NFC with more than six wins. Everyone else is about like us. Lots of teams correct at present in the NFL are trying to figure out how to get by .500 and have a expert twelvemonth and win in the second half of the twelvemonth."

Newton returned to Carolina's radar later on the team learned on Tuesday that Sam Darnold would miss at to the lowest degree iv to six weeks because of a shoulder injury suffered in Sunday's loss to the New England Patriots, the team Newton played for last flavour and until he was released Aug. 31.

Darnold was struggling anyway, and fill-in P.J. Walker has one NFL commencement nether his belt. While Rhule confirmed Th that Walker will become the offset Sunday (4:05 p.m. ET, Fox) at the Arizona Cardinals -- where, coincidentally, Newton played his first NFL game in 2011 -- turning long term to a player with 139 starts makes more sense moving forward.

Here'southward a closer look at how this all came about:

Did the Panthers accept better options than Newton?

Not really.

You don't find former NFL MVPs, as Newton was in 2015, looking for a job. Carolina could have turned to Philip Rivers, just his only involvement in returning appeared to exist with the New Orleans Saints.

Carolina signed veteran Matt Barkley off the Tennessee Titans' exercise squad Wednesday, only he has vii starts and a 2-five record in those games. Newton has 75 wins, 68 coming with the Panthers.

How does Newton fit into Joe Brady's crime?

This feels like an odd fit for the offensive coordinator. Brady's system relies on sharp timing and consistency. These take not been Newton'due south strengths, particularly the past few years. He has a career 60.1 completion per centum.

Just before injuries to the shoulder and foot took their toll, Newton was playing his best in 2018 during a 6-2 starting time. He finished with a career-all-time 67.ix completion percentage. That success gets lost considering Newton lost his final eight starts for Carolina before being shut down two games into the 2019 season.

Brady, who has become more willing to commit to the run thanks to an edict from Rhule, can piece of work in more than of the run-option that made Newton elite. The Patriots still believed Newton could play, simply they didn't want to revamp their offense to fit his style. The Panthers seem willing.

How does Newton help Christian McCaffrey?

The running back had his breakout season in 2018 with Newton, rushing for i,098 yards and communicable 107 passes for 867 yards. Teams had to focus on Newton every bit a running threat who opened upward more room for McCaffrey.

That the offensive line is down to 1 starter, correct tackle Taylor Moton -- who began the season at the same position because of injuries -- that dual threat becomes more of a factor.

McCaffrey can help Newton as well. Even if Newton isn't able to make the deep throws he was so proficient at early in his career, he always has his security coating with No. 22.

What are realistic expectations for Cam?

The bar has to be somewhat low. In his past 23 starts between Carolina and New England, Newton is 7-sixteen. He has 17 touchdowns to 20 interceptions. But he does have 16 rushing touchdowns, and Rhule is committed to running. If Newton tin assistance the Panthers get to viii-9 or 9-8, they have a shot at making the playoffs in the NFC.

It's unlikely Walker could get them there against a schedule that ends with trips to the Buffalo Bills and Saints, as well as two games against defending Super Basin champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Don't forget, Newton led the Panthers to four straight wins to finish the 2014 season and make the playoffs equally the NFC South champs at vii-8-1. They also crush Arizona in the playoffs before seeing their run end at the Seattle Seahawks. And so at least Newton gives Carolina hope, if not a shot.