The Carolina Panthers must swallow their pride and re-sign Cam Newton in the wake of quarterback Sam Darnold’s concussion in Week 8.
Sam Darnold showed some signs of life against the No. 30 ranked Atlanta Falcons defense during a hugely important Week 8 win for the Carolina Panthers. However, the quarterback went out of the game in the fourth quarter with a concussion after taking a brutal hit near the goal line.
The Panthers don’t yet know the full extent of Darnold’s injury. So it will be something to monitor closely throughout the week. Head coach Matt Rhule is hopefully the former first-round pick can play in Week 9 against the New England Patriots, but they’d be wise not to rush the signal-caller back too soon and risk further complications.
Carolina also doesn’t appear that confident in P.J. Walker’s ability to lead under center. Considering he is the only remaining quarterback on the active roster, bringing in someone else to compete wouldn’t be the worst idea in the world.
And it just so happens there is a player still sitting on the free-agent market that is extremely familiar with the organization.
Things did not end well between Cam Newton and the Panthers. The 2015 NFL MVP was released in messy circumstances and although he got another shot with the Patriots, he was let go this offseason and is looking for another shot elsewhere.
Newton is now fully-vaccinated, which will only enhance his cause. If the Panthers are looking for an immediate lift if Darnold is forced to miss extended time, then picking up the phone and calling the Auburn product is a move they should consider.
With this in mind, here are four reasons why the Panthers should swallow their pride and re-sign Newton if Darnold is unavailable for a prolonged period.
Cam Newton would thrive in Carolina Panthers’ run-first offense
The Carolina Panthers finally went through with Matt Rhule’s wishes to adopt a run-first approach at the Atlanta Falcons. Something that was welcome and contributed significantly to the team getting themselves back in the win column.
Offensive coordinator Joe Brady leaned on the run game heavily, with the Panthers rushing for 203 yards from 47 combined touches. It proved to be a collective effort with a number of contributors, with Sam Darnold and P.J. Walker tasked with throwing the football just 25 times in Week 8.
This method of moving the chains also benefitted the offensive line, who struggled in pass protection but dominated the trenches in running situations at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
If the news regarding Darnold’s concussion isn’t positive, then bringing in Cam Newton and implementing this offense is a mouth-watering proposition.
For all the questions surrounding Newton’s arm during his career, he is one of the greatest-ever running quarterbacks and could provide the Panthers with another brute force that demands considerable attention.
There are plenty more factors and a lot of water under the bridge between the two parties. But at least from a football standpoint and the scheme Carolina is running, re-signing Newton if Darnold’s prognosis isn’t positive makes a ton of sense.
Cam Newton is the best free agent available for the Carolina Panthers
The quarterback market is relatively bare when it comes to free agents at this time of year. Rarely do you see a former NFL MVP looking for employment midway through the season, so if the Carolina Panthers want the best option available, they’ll suck it up and make the call.
What’s the alternative? Getting Robert Griffin III out of the commentators’ booth or another potential option that’s underperformed at best during their career.
Cam Newton was a transcendent talent once upon a time. Dragging the Panthers from mediocrity into the media spotlight and becoming one of the team’s greatest-ever players in the process.
This all comes down to the length of time Sam Darnold will be out for. And there’s hope within the organization that he might be able to go in Week 9.
However, a contingency plan should be put in place for the worst-case scenario.
And that should be a potential homecoming for Newton.
Whether this is something that would interest the signal-caller is another matter. He made no secret of his thoughts about the new regime giving up on him at the first possible chance, so Newton would also have to remove any ill-will from his mindset to accept such an offer if one is presented.
But if the Panthers are forced to scour the free-agent market, then there is only one viable option.
Carolina Panthers cannot afford to waste another draft pick
It’s been an aggressive approach to recruitment where the Carolina Panthers are concerned since Scott Fitterer was appointed general manager. The former Seattle Seahawks front office figure has left no stone unturned in the trade market when it comes to improving the roster, which is another option he’ll no doubt consider if the prognosis on Sam Darnold isn’t satisfactory.
While it’s a nice idea, in theory. The Panthers don’t have a Day 2 pick currently and they cannot waste yet another draft selection on a bridge quarterback that may or may not see the field.
That’s why – among other reasons – Cam Newton becomes a good option. Although it all depends on Darnold’s health.
The last thing Carolina wants is a controversy at the position. And having Newton as a backup doesn’t seem like a feasible option considering all he did for the organization.
However, if Darnold is out multiple weeks – which is possible considering the high-impact head collision – then signing a free agent like Newton rather than giving up another pick that could be put to better use is the smart call to make.
Granted, the likelihood of this happening is slim at best.
But as the old saying goes, time is a great healer. Providing there is a mutual interest, the quarterback still has the physical attributes to make a difference.
Cam Newton would give the Carolina Panthers fanbase and locker room a major lift
This would be a bombshell of epic propositions. One that would be largely well received by the Carolina Panthers fanbase and within the locker room.
For all the unwarranted talk of Newton’s charisma and enigmatic personality being a distraction, he is beloved by supporters and is someone other players have gravitated towards throughout his career.
There aren’t many roster members left in Carolina from when Newton was at the peak of his powers. But his legend still lives on and if Sam Darnold misses time, then this could be the spark that keeps momentum trending in the right direction.
Newton was an iconic figure in Charlotte.
A cultural reset, so to speak.
Although the Panthers moved on and had every right to do so, circumstances change quickly in the NFL. Simply put, Carolina cannot let their pride and previous decisions dictate their current mindset if Darnold is out for multiple games.
And don’t think Sean Payton won’t be thinking of bringing Newton to the New Orleans Saints in the wake of Jameis Winston’s injury in Week 8.
Again, it would be nothing short of astonishing if Newton made his triumphant return to Carolina. But stranger things have happened in the NFL.