Stay or Go? Projecting every Panthers free agent situation in 2022
By Dean Jones
Cam Newton – Carolina Panthers QB
There weren’t many highlights from the Carolina Panthers season in 2021. However, one memory stuck out more than any other and it had nothing to do with what transpired between the white lines.
With Sam Darnold on the shelf and P.J. Walker’s inconsistencies evident, the Panthers made a bombshell move to bring back Cam Newton. A decision that sent shockwaves through the NFL and gave the fanbase a new lease of life with their hero making his triumphant return.
The early signs were promising. Newton contributed to two touchdowns in consecutive plays in their Week 10 win at the Arizona Cardinals and the reception he received at Bank of America Stadium against Washington was absolutely extraordinary.
Sadly, this didn’t transition into results on the field. It was a difficult situation for Newton and as soon as Matt Rhule got the chance, he was benched in favor of Darnold and spent the final few games watching from the sidelines.
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Stay or Go? GO
One could make a strong argument that Newton deserves a full offseason to familiarize himself after coming to Carolina’s aid last time around. But there is no room for sentiment in the NFL and the Panthers clearly possess grander ambitions to improve production at the most important position on the field.