Superheroes swoop in to save the day, right? The Carolina Panthers are hopeful that bringing Cam Newton back will salvage their once promising season. With starting quarterback Sam Darnold struggling through a 1-4 stretch after the Panthers started 3-0 and now injured, the Panthers were in dire straits. After initiating contact with Newton on Tuesday, both sides agreed to terms on Thursday morning. The one-year deal is for up to $10 million with $4.5 million guaranteed and a $1.5M signing bonus.
The 2015 MVP, who also led the Panthers to the Super Bowl that season, has playing experience with running back Christian McCaffrey and wide receiver DJ Moore. He has also worked out with receiver Robby Anderson and should be able to learn the playbook quickly. Speaking with the media on Thursday afternoon, head coach Matt Rhule called the Newton signing a “disciplined decision.” Prior to injury in 2019, Newton was on pace to statistically surpass his MVP season.
The Panthers sit at 4-5 on the season and travel to face the 8-1 Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium with PJ Walker set to start the game.
