CHARLOTTE (N.C.) -- Quarterback Cam Newton has signed a deal with Carolina Panthers to return to the team that he led to the Super Bowl in 2015. It was announced on Thursday.
According to a source, the deal is worth up $10 million and includes $4.5 million guaranteed and $1.5 million roster bonus.
After Newton had suffered for many years from foot and shoulder injuries, the Panthers selected Newton as the first overall pick in 2011. At that point, they began a new regimen with Matt Rhule as their coach.
After Sam Darnold, the Panthers' starter, suffered a shoulder injury on Sunday that could keep him out of action for four to six weeks.
P.J. P.J. Matt Barkley is also on this roster.
Rhule stated that the team was open to considering all options but would not go into detail about Newton's "hypotheticals" when asked.
Rhule stated Wednesday that his job was to win now. Our fans don't pay money to see us win in two more years. You're also trying to build a Super Bowl-caliber football team. It's difficult to balance the long-term goals with trying to win. These are often the same thing.
"There are four NFC teams with more than six wins. Everybody else is just like us. Many teams in the NFL are currently trying to overcome.500 to have a great year and win the second half. "... My job is win."
Newton, 2015 NFL MVP, played 15 games in 2020 for the New England Patriots before being released in training camps this year. The team chose to start rookie Mac Jones instead.
Newton missed three practices prior to the season due to a COVID-19 protocol "misunderstanding". Bill Belichick stated that Newton's vaccination status did not factor into his decision to be released.
In a video posted to YouTube last month, the 32-year old quarterback stated that he has been vaccinated, and that he wants to keep playing.
Newton stated in the video, "Hell yeah. I still want to play soccer." "I still feel the urge to perform and do something I have done since I was seven years old."
Tale Of The Tape Cam Newton's career statistics as a Carolina Panthers or New England Patriots player. Panthers Patriots Games 15 15 Passing YPG 232 177 TD/Int 1.0.8 Total QBR 55.3 39.4
Newton played last for Carolina in the second match of the 2019 season. He was then sidelined due to an aggravating Lisfranc injury he sustained in the third preseason.
Newton has been the franchise's leader in passing yards (29.041), passing touchdowns (182), and rushing touchdowns (58) over nine seasons. With 4,806 rushing miles, he ranks third.
According to Elias Sports Bureau data Newton has 959 passing yards, 194 rushing yards, and is one step away from becoming the first player to reach the 30K-5K club in NFL history. Russell Wilson only needs 426 yards of rushing to achieve the milestone with Seattle Seahawks.
Newton was the 2015 MVP of Carolina, running for 10 touchdowns and throwing 35 passes.
