Has Cam Newton played his final snap for the Carolina Panthers?

What next for Cam Newton?

Although Cam Newton might not be the exceptional force of old based on five starts with the Carolina Panthers in 2021, his production should be put into context. No preparation time, a dismal offensive line, and a change in offensive coordinator didn’t exactly assist his cause, so the jury should still be out as to whether or not his NFL future is past the point of no return.

Newton would be welcomed back with open arms by a fanbase, who still idolize and unconditionally support a player that completely transformed the organization. But that is not their decision to make.

Matt Rhule‘s been quick to throw Newton under the bus at almost every opportunity. There is no consistency when one compares his comments to the assessment of Sam Darnold – which is an indictment of how things might unfold this offseason.

Just why the Panthers put Newton in for one ceremonial play on Sunday is unclear and was somewhat unnecessary in the grand scheme of things. There was also a photo of the signal-caller smiling when Rhule was shouting from the sidelines that went viral.

Rhule might not have been the driving force in Newton coming back.

The one move he didn’t get the final say on, perhaps?

However, if the head coach gets a reprieve this offseason, then the probability of Newton coming back is remote. But whether Rhule decides that his one play at the Saints is all she wrote is another matter.