5 former Panthers from the Ron Rivera era that could help in 2022

Cam Newton – Former Carolina Panthers QB

Matt Rhule wasted no time in declaring his excitement about the prospect of working with Cam Newton upon taking the head coaching job. This was swiftly followed by the Carolina Panthers signing Teddy Bridgewater and letting the former NFL MVP take his chances elsewhere after a messy departure.

Newton came back to the organization in 2021 and earned praise from Rhule for the way he conducted himself. This sentiment wasn’t reciprocated by the quarterback, who was less than happy with the overall attitude across the franchise.

The Panthers got a stroke of luck when they picked the right guy at No. 1 overall in the 2011 NFL Draft. Ron Rivera and Newton built a strong bond and brought some of the team’s greatest moments during the 2010s, even if they fell agonizingly short against the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl 50.

It’s been a series of poor moves at the most important position on the field since Newton was shown the door. Something that could see the Panthers head back into the trade market once again rather than take their chances with Sam Darnold for another season.

Carolina hasn’t ruled out the prospect of Newton returning entirely. But adding the former Auburn product in his prime would give this team limitless potential.