3 scenarios where Cam Newton could still sign with Panthers in 2022

Cam Newton comes back if Sam Darnold and P.J. Walker are traded or cut

The most obvious move to open up a role for Cam Newton with the Carolina Panthers in 2022 is trimming the quarterback room. The player who wins the starting job – which is likely to be Baker Mayfield following his trade from the Cleveland Browns – should be given the role without his preseason competition looking over his shoulder.

Assuming it is Mayfield that secures the role, the Panthers should cut or trade Sam Darnold and P.J. Walker. This will allow Matt Corral to fill the typical backup role and develop areas of his game ahead of potenaitlly filling the No. 1 gig long-term.

Walker might have some trade value, perhaps even more than Darnold given that the USC product is counting $18.85 million fully guaranteed on the salary-cap in 2022.

Mayfield would be the starter and Newton could be brought in lesser role, making Corral the only quarterback on the roster who isn’t actively contributing while picking up some tricks of the trade from two ex-number one selections.

The Panthers will be dealing with a substantial dead cap hit if they were to cut Darnold. However, it would be far better for the Panthers to have Newton on the roster instead.

Darnold had his chance with the team last season. It’s probably time for both parties to go their separate ways and this could result in Newton returning as a multi-purpose weapon.