Has Cam Newton put the Carolina Panthers on notice?

Cam Newton is right to wait

The timing of Cam Newton’s text to Adam Schefter was impeccable. No sooner had head coach Matt Rhule stated that the ball was technically in his court, the quarterback put the Carolina Panthers on notice by stating that it wasn’t just them he’d been speaking to regarding his next move.

It’s no secret that the Panthers are looking for a solution to their ongoing complications under center. Sam Darnold just isn’t up to the required standard and although the front office could trade for Jimmy Garoppolo or take a promising college prospect at No. 6 overall, there might be some benefits to bringing Newton back and giving him a full offseason in Ben McAdoo’s system, which will be relying heavily on a downhill running attack.

For all Newton’s inconsistencies in the passing game last season, his ability to carry the football out of the backfield is still elite and feared across the league. Something that the Panthers could use as well as a leading figure within the locker room that holds everybody accountable.

Whether this amounts to one more go-around for Newton in Carolina is the big question. Talks have obviously taken place and there were even murmurings about a contract being offered, but if this is the end of the signal-caller’s time with the organization for good, he can depart with closure and his head held high.

Newton will always have a special place in the heart of fans who saw him almost single-handedly propel the Panthers from an afterthought into relevancy. However, all good things must come to an end – and the veteran is prepared to wait it out and let the chips fall where they may.