Has Matt Rhule already written Cam Newton’s football eulogy?

Has Carolina Panthers head coach Matt Rhule already written Cam Newton’s football eulogy as beleaguered quarterback Sam Darnold edges closer to a return?

There has been increasing friction between Matt Rhule and Cam Newton in recent weeks. The head coach was quick to throw his quarterback under the bus once again following the Carolina Panthers‘ defeat at the Buffalo Bills in Week 15, which guarantees another losing season and raises plenty of doubts regarding the current direction of the franchise.

Bringing Newton into the fold was a popular move by the Panthers. And the homecoming hero brought electricity that was sorely missing with Sam Darnold under center.

However, it only papered over the team’s deficiencies for a short while.

The Panthers are now out of playoff contention and face a brutal stretch of games before the season comes to a conclusion. They take on the defending Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers twice, with a contest against the New Orleans Saints set for Week 17.

Sunday’s game against the Bucs is Carolina’s last at home. This means it could also be one final chance for the team’s loyal fanbase to see Newton starting for the Panthers.

It’s becoming increasingly obvious that David Tepper was the man who wanted Newton back rather than Rhule, who released the former NFL MVP initially before signing Teddy Bridgewater and trading for Darnold in the first place.

Sam Darnold’s contract could impact Cam Newton’s immediate future.

With Darnold now practicing and in contention to be considered for a starting berth once again in the not-too-distant future, Rhule was non-commital on who would lead the Panthers this weekend. Although his initial comments regarding Newton seemed very past-tense orientated from the outside looking in.

"“I have absolutely respected and appreciated and loved every second that Cam’s been here. He works as hard as someone can work. And all he ever says to me is, ‘Hey, keep coaching me.’ He wants accountability. He wants to help the team win.”"

Darnold is under contract in 2022 after the Panthers picked up his fifth-year option with $18.85 million guaranteed soon after a deal was struck with the New York Jets. He is also the man Rhule’s placed a significant amount of faith in after deciding to move on from Bridgewater this offseason.

It’s going to be extremely difficult to find a trade partner for Darnold. This year’s quarterback class isn’t up to the usual standard and the Panthers don’t have a Day 2 pick currently – another restriction that cannot be overlooked.

That’s why there is a very real possibility of Rhule starting Darnold again. Even if it would probably be the tipping point for some fans given their love and respect for Newton.

This is a complex situation. One that Rhule and the Panthers brought on themselves.

Just where they go from here at the quarterback position remains to be seen. But the Panthers can ill-afford any more slip-ups at the most important position on the field.

Rhule is playing with fire by even contemplating sending Darnold back out there. However, if he is intent on moving forward with him in 2022, don’t be surprised if Newton is relegated to a red-zone or short-yardage role.

The very least Newton deserves is a proper send-off if this is in fact the end. But it’s also worth remembering that Rhule has his own future to consider and his comments about the Auburn product this week sounded like a eulogy rather than clear confirmation he is the No. 1.

Newton deserves all the credit in the world for taking this gamble. But in truth, nobody is fully sure what comes next.