The time has come to an end as Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers have parted ways after failing to find a trade partner. With his release, Newton leaves behind an impressive career with Carolina but faces uncertainty moving forward.
Panthers officially announced they released Cam Newton. End of an era.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 24, 2020
The Cam Newton Effect
Newton, 30, played his entire career with Carolina from 2011 to 2019. During that time, Newton threw for 29,041 yards, 182 passing touchdowns and rushed for 58 touchdowns and 4,806 yards. The ultimate dual-purpose quarterback was elected to two Pro Bowls, one All-Pro and league MVP in 2015.
While Newton has been universally praised as one of the most exciting quarterbacks to ever play the game, his numerous injuries have begun to derail his once vaulted career. In 2018, Newton suffered a shoulder injury that cost him the final weeks of the season. And in 2019, he suffered a Lisfranc (foot) injury that only saw him play in two games before giving way to backup quarterback Kyle Allen.
What’s Next for Newton?
With the team’s decision to sign former New Orleans Saints quarterback Teddy Bridgewater to a three-year, $63 million deal, Carolina knew all along that they’d be moving on regardless if they could find a trade partner or not.
The former No. 1 overall pick in 2011 will have to prove to teams that he’s worth the risk by simply staying healthy. There a number of quarterback-needy teams that could use his services and a one-year, two-year deal wouldn’t be surprising given how much time he’s missed.
Still, when healthy, we know how dominant he can be, and with the right team and head coach in place, it’s impossible to think Newton can return to a Super Bowl-caliber quarterback.
Even as Newton’s about to turn 31 in two month’s time, he’s still young enough to be a starter in the NFL and has the support of Carolina’s general manager Marty Hurney should other teams need reassurance.
“Cam has meant a lot to this organization and the Carolinas,” Hurney said via a statement, according to USA Today’s Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz. “Everyone saw his performances on the field. I had the privilege of seeing how hard he worked off the field, and his commitment to this team when no one was watching. He’s the ultimate competitor and it physically hurts him to lose. He willed this team to victory on many occasions and will always be considered one of the greatest players in the history of this franchise. His contributions to this team, this community, and the game of football will leave a lasting impact on our organization.”
Rookie of the Year. MVP. NFC Champion.@CameronNewton. Carolina legend. pic.twitter.com/owfdZkyaOX
— NFL (@NFL) March 24, 2020
Can Newton Return to Form?
Even as the NFL and other sports live in a COVID-19 state of emergency, for the time being, it shouldn’t derail Newton from getting his physical and mental state into game-shape. Newton will have suitors vying for his services and he’ll choose the best team suited for his abilities.
Newton’s career year came in 2015 when he threw for 35 touchdowns and an absurd 10 rushing touchdowns en route to appearing in Super Bowl 50 against the Denver Broncos. Perfectly summed up in one season, that is the dominance Newton can exude for a franchise willing to take a chance.
All Newton needs is a chance.
Main Photo:
Embed from Getty Images
