Cam Newton has more at stake
Urgency is another keyword in determining whether Cam Newton or Sam Darnold should be starting for the Carolina Panthers. As stated previously, the team is now out of playoff contention and saw a fourth-straight losing season confirmed in Week 15, so one could be forgiven for thinking some players have half an eye on their offseason plans.
The Panthers seem to be going through the motions lately. A rudderless ship with no confidence that could face more heartache over a difficult final three games of the campaign.
Newton holds himself to a higher standard than this. He’ll continue giving his all no matter the situation and demands the same from his teammates, so it might make all the difference in the hope of salvaging something from the season.
The signal-caller also has more at stake from a personal standpoint. Sam Darnold’s $18.85 million is fully guaranteed in 2022 no matter his status, while Newton is fighting for his future in Carolina and perhaps regarding the player’s NFL career overall.
Newton should still be auditioning for the role in 2022. The Panthers already know what it has in Darnold, even if Matt Rhule’s probably made his mind up about both players, in all honesty.