The Carolina Panthers are reportedly meeting with Cam Newton in the hopes of bringing back the most accomplished quarterback in franchise history.
Carolina is scrambling after starting quarterback Sam Darnold was sent to injured reserve with a shoulder injury. Prior to being diagnosed with the injury, Darnold’s status as starter was thrown into doubt after a multiweek slump that included three interceptions in a home loss to New England. After that game, coach Matt Rhule refused to give Darnold a vote of confidence, replying to a question about whether Darnold gave the team the best chance to win by saying he would need to watch game film before answering.
Prior to the New England game, with Darnold questionable after being knocked out of the previous game at Atlanta following a hard hit, the team signed quarterback Josh Love to the practice squad. The former San Jose State passer spent time with the Rams and would serve as a backup to PJ Walker if Darnold couldn’t play against the Patriots.
Following the New England loss, the team signed veteran Matt Barkley, an eight-year veteran who is on his eighth team.
Newton spent the first nine years of his career with the Panthers, leading the team to Super Bowl 50 and winning an NFL MVP award. He remains the team’s career leader in passing yardage and touchdown passes. He’s also the team’s No. 4 all-time rushing leader. Newton and Carolina parted ways after he was released following an injury-marred 2019 season.
Newton spent 2020 with the Patriots but was released in the offseason following a bout with COVID. Newton has reportedly been vaccinated since his release. This appears to be the most serious interest the 32-year-old free agent has generated with an NFL team since his release.
