4 options the Carolina Panthers have with Cam Newton in 2022
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers release Cam Newton again
Cam Newton’s production has been really encouraging over the last three games. But the question still remains just what his future with the Carolina Panthers will look like in 2022.
Although all signs point to the signal-caller sticking around beyond the current campaign, releasing Newton for a second time is not entirely out of the question, either.
That would obviously not go down well.
But the NFL is a ruthless business at the end of the day.
The Panthers also have Sam Darnold’s presence to consider. Whether they like it or not.
Although the former first-round pick has proven beyond all doubt he isn’t the long-term answer in Carolina, the signal-caller is owed $18.85 million after the Panthers triggered his fifth-year option before he’d played a down.
Going with Darnold again isn’t going to get the job done ahead of a crucial third year in Matt Rhule’s extensive rebuild. But it’s unlikely Carolina will find a willing trade partner for a player that’s struggled mightily since entering the league.
Should Newton and the Panthers fail to agree on an extension, his departure has to be handled better this time. The situation in 2020 left a sour taste in the mouth and those in power can ill-afford a situation that gets the fans offside once again.