6 realistic options for the Carolina Panthers to solve QB crisis in 2022
By Brian Emory
Carolina Panthers could re-sign Cam Newton
While this option seems growingly unlikely, bringing Cam Newton back on a team-friendly one-year deal might not be the worst idea in the world. If Matt Rhule is the head coach again next year, the former NFL MVP could be a serious weapon in the ground-and-pound offensive scheme he’s so keen on deploying.
Unfortunately for nostalgic fans of the Carolina Panthers, Newton simply isn’t the passer he once was. It is doubtful he will ever find the form again.
However, it is also difficult to properly evaluate any passer behind an offensive line that is undeniably one of the league’s worst.
Prior to the New Orleans Saints game, Newton is only receiving 2.1 seconds of time in the pocket for each drop back. Even the league’s best passers wouldn’t be faring well behind this abomination of an offensive line.
The Auburn product would improve to some degree as a passer if Carolina can patch up the protection some this offseason. He’s also still a fan favorite and a leader in the locker room.
His presence alone is one of the few reasons the team is continuing to have strong turnouts at home games to close out this season. Rhule may not want to admit it, but bringing Newton back on a one-year deal could be the team’s best and most cost-friendly option.