What seemed impossible just a few days ago is a reality today. Veteran quarterback Cam Newton made a stunning return to the Carolina Panthers and signed a deal with the franchise until the end of the 2021 NFL season.
The move sees Newton re-joining the team he led to the Super Bowl in 2015 and spent most of his NFL career with. It is also the team that unexpectedly decided to release him after the 2019 season.
The Panthers confirmed the news on their social media on Thursday.
This unlikely scenario happened because both sides needed each other. Newton was without a team after being cut by the New England Patriots in the offseason and struggled to find a job. The Panthers, on the other hand, were thin at the quarterback position after starter Sam Darnold suffered a shoulder injury that will sideline him for four to six weeks.
According to ESPN, Newton’s will earn a $4.5 million guaranteed salary for the remainder of the season while pocketing an additional $1.5 million in roster bonus. He will be able to earn up to $10 million combined based on bonuses.
It is unclear whether Newton will step in as a starter right away or if the Panthers will wait and see what they have in backup P.J. Walker. Head coach Matt Rhule announced earlier this week that Walker will be under center in Week 10 against the Arizona Cardinals, but that was before they signed Newton.
Cam Newton entered the NFL as Carolina’s first overall pick in 2011. In his first stint with the franchise, he led the team to three NFC South titles and four postseason appearances while making Pro Bowl three times and earning the NFL MVP Award in 2015. The Panthers decided to release Newton in early 2020 after he struggled with injuries for a couple of previous seasons.
Newton spent the last season with the Patriots, making 15 starts and leading the franchise to a 7-8 record.
