Analysis: Cam Newton is back. This changes everything for the Carolina Panthers
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Cam returns to the Panthers
The Carolina Panthers have confirmed they are bringing back their former quarterback, Cam Newton, in a one-year deal.
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Cam Newton returning to the Carolina Panthers creates macro and micro ripple effects that will sweep across the organization. Newton’s presence instantly changes the locker room, Joe Brady’s offense and Carolina’s long-term plans at quarterback.
The Observer first reported the Thursday meeting between Newton, coach Matt Rhule, vice president of football operations Steven Drummond and owner David Tepper. His return to his original NFL organization represents a complete shift in the Panthers’ plans.
First, Sam Darnold’s season would effectively be over. The Panthers are likely placing him on injured reserve with a right shoulder injury. Darnold is expected to recover in 4-6 weeks, but once an energy like Newton’s enters the locker room, there is no shifting back to Darnold. Essentially the Panthers’ nine-game trial run with Darnold, the former No. 3 overall pick, is over. The Panthers have seen enough to know he isn’t the long-term solution, and signing Newton proves that.
On Wednesday, Rhule said he and general manager Scott Fitterer would explore all options to improve their quarterback situation. Building an NFL roster is a difficult balancing act between winning in the moment and sustaining a lasting future. By Thursday morning, their search brought them back to Newton.
“I talked so much about the process and building all those things that people think I’m not trying to win now,” Rhule said. “I want to build a Super Bowl team. And that requires disciplined decisions. I think this is a disciplined decision.”
On defense, Carolina has constructed a championship-level unit. The Panthers rank within the top five in several key defensive categories, feature stars Brian Burns, Stephon Gilmore, Haason Reddick and Jeremy Chinn, and are led by a savvy coordinator in Phil Snow.
The Panthers have the No. 2 defense in football. They rank ninth in sacks and have allowed the third-fewest total yards. This defense can compete with anyone. But they’ve been burdened with carrying a stagnant offense. Among qualifying quarterbacks, Darnold holds the NFL’s worst quarterback rating and is tied with the Bengals’ Joe Burrow with a lead-leading 11 interceptions.
“I think our team can win now,” Rhule said. “We have a good defense but haven’t been playing at the level we want on offense. We are still 2-0 in the NFC South whether people want to write us off or not.”
Carolina’s offense has scored one touchdown in its last 34 possessions, and its offensive line is third-worst in the league according to ESPN’s pass-rush win rate.
All this results in a team sitting in limbo, which is why Rhule turned to Newton. Despite saying they believe in backup P.J. Walker, it’s obvious Carolina does not view him as a viable starter.
Rhule reflected on his decision to cut Newton in 2020. That very move is what prompted a chain of events at quarterback that started with Teddy Bridgewater, quickly shifted to Darnold and now is circling back to Newton. He called it a “football decision.”
Since then, Newton has proven healthy. Rhule said watching his New England game tape helped solidify bringing Newton back.
With his health in check and full belief in his abilities, the Panthers made a move to best position themselves to make a postseason run.
“At the time, we weren’t sure if he’s healthy, but he’s healthy now,” Rhule said. “We’re bringing him here to win. Cam Newton is a winner. I know he can help us win. A healthy Cam Newton is an excellent player, a special player.”
Last season, Newton covered up a lot of the Patriots’ issues. In 15 games, he threw for 2,657 yards, tossed eight passing touchdowns and completed 66% of his throws. New England utilized his rushing ability, deploying double tight end formations near the goal line, which allowed Newton to bully his way to 12 rushing touchdowns.
Red-zone efficiency remains an issue for Carolina. Newton will immediately improve the Panthers’ short-yardage offense. Remember, in Darnold’s first four games, he rushed for five touchdowns. Brady will install even more goal-line options for Newton while running back Christian McCaffrey threatens linebackers outside. Expect a heavy dose of zone-read plays and a run-centric offense close to the end zone.
Between the 20-yard lines, Newton should boost receiver Robby Anderson’s play. Newton isn’t the rocket-armed intermediate thrower he used to be but his deep ball still threatens defenses. Newton hasn’t played with a burner like Anderson since Ted Ginn Jr.
McCaffrey’s presence lightens coverage for DJ Moore. It’ll be exciting seeing Newton develop a rapport with a true No. 1 receiver. The two played only two games together in 2019. Moore has come a long way since then. It’s a duo that should blossom together. Moore said they worked together this offseason and that Newton looked great.
Signing Newton changes everything in Carolina. With eight games left, the Panthers have a shot at the final wild-card spot. Their long-term plans at quarterback are put off until after the season, when they’ll either look toward the draft, search for another quick fix via trade or retain Newton if he plays well.
Fitterer said the team explored several contract options with Newton. In the end, a one-year deal worth up to $10 million is what both sides agreed upon. The Panthers are paying Newton starting quarterback money for only eight regular-season games.
“We did go back and forth and it was a good negotiation with them. It was about getting him here. It was a football decision,” Fitterer said. “I understand from the outside what the money looks like but that is what it takes.”
On Wednesday, Rhule said he wouldn’t make a move that hindered the growth of a player within their locker room. However, it’s clear Newton’s homecoming diminishes any chance of Darnold turning his career around in Charlotte or Walker starting beyond Sunday in Arizona.
Signing Newton happened over the course of a few days. Now the Panthers are his again. In the short term, Carolina will be better for it.
This story was originally published November 11, 2021 at 12:09 PM with the headline "Analysis: Cam Newton is back. This changes everything for the Carolina Panthers."
