Newton said Tuesday that teams have expressed interest in signing him to a contract this offseason, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
Analysis: Newton said that despite having "teams that are interested in signing me," he is patiently weighing his options. "I am waiting on the best fit as it pertains to winning a championship and getting a fair chance to play." Meanwhile, David Newton of ESPN reports that the Panthers have not ruled out re-signing Newton for another reunion. Last season, Newton rejoined Carolina following an injury to Sam Darnold, but ultimately led the team to a 0-5 record in his time as the starter. Back in 2020, Newton managed an 7-8 record as the Patriots' starter. At this point it seems all but guaranteed that Newton's next opportunity will have to come as a backup, and perhaps not until after April's draft has played out.
Mar 29, 2022 6:47 AM EST
Newton said Monday that he's open to accepting a backup gig in the future, Joe Person of The Athletic reports.
Analysis: Newton is a pending unrestricted free agent, and though his reunion in Carolina\ proved to be something of a mixed bag, he has at least proven that he's back to full health and still a dangerous threat on the ground. Steve Reed of the Associated Press reports that Newton wishes for his next home to be with a competitive team, rather than a 5-12-0 operation such as the Panthers, who finish the 2021 regular season at the bottom of the NFC South division standings.
Jan 10, 2022 8:41 AM EST
Newton rushed for five yards on his only snap played in Sunday's 18-10 loss to the Saints.
Analysis: Newton hardly saw the field in a close game despite Sam Darnold struggling to move the ball. While Newton should remain available, coach Matt Rhule said Monday he expects Darnold to remain the starter in Week 18 versus the Buccaneers, ESPN's David Newton reports. That situation makes Newton's involvement difficult to project, but he could be a factor in favorable running situations, including in the red zone.
Jan 3, 2022 1:47 PM EST
Newton could be used in short-yardage and goal-line situations Sunday against the Saints, but coach Matt Rhule didn't elaborate on roles beyond naming Sam Darnold as the starter for Week 17, David Newton of ESPN.com reports.
Analysis: Newton wasn't doing much as the starter, in any case, even with his rushing stats factored in. While Darnold doesn't figure to be a whole lot better overall, his style of play at least appears more favorable for the pass catchers, apart from his lack of chemistry with Robby Anderson. Newton could poach some goal-line looks this Sunday but isn't likely to get many pass attempts.
Dec 31, 2021 10:13 AM EST
Sam Darnold will replace Newton as Carolina's starting quarterback this Sunday against the Saints, David Newton of ESPN.com reports.
Analysis: Darnold replaced Newton after the first quarter of Sunday's 32-6 loss to Tampa Bay, though the 32-year-old did renter the game at various points. Newton could also have a role Week 17, especially near the goal line, but any limited fantasy appeal is gone now that he's not starting.
Dec 29, 2021 11:33 AM EST
Newton started Sunday's 32-6 loss to the Buccaneers but completed just seven of 13 passes for 61 yards with no touchdowns and one interception and rushed five times for 42 yards.
Analysis: Newton was initially subbed out for Sam Darnold (shoulder) after throwing an interception with 1:48 remaining in the first quarter, and although he did re-enter the game after that point, he ultimately put up 19 fewer attempts than his position mate. David Newton of ESPN.com reports that head coach Matt Rhule was non-committal about who would start the Week 17 road matchup against the Saints, but it seems clear that with a 5-10 record and nothing but next season to play for, the embattled head coach won't hesitate to rotate both signal-callers fairly liberally throughout a game depending on circumstances.
Dec 26, 2021 2:38 PM EST
Newton will start Sunday's game against the Buccaneers but is expected to cede snaps to Sam Darnold (shoulder), who could supplant Newton as the team's starter for the final two games of the regular season, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
Analysis: Newton's return to Carolina hasn't been an overly successful one, as the Panthers have gone 0-4 in his starts while he's completed only 54.1 percent of his throws for 5.6 yards per attempt. He's looked better from a fantasy perspective thanks to the 169 rushing yards and four scores on the ground he's accrued during that stretch, but as a 32-year-old veteran on an expiring deal, Newton may be less of a priority for the 5-9 Panthers than Darnold, who resumed practicing Wednesday and will put an end to a six-week absence Sunday after he was reinstated from injured reserve. Rapoport's report notes that if Darnold fares well in his initial snaps Sunday, he could end up playing a substantial amount, which makes it difficult to trust Newton in weekly leagues. Head coach Matt Rhule will then likely weigh the Week 16 performances of both quarterbacks before determining which of the two will get the starting nod in the penultimate game of the regular season next week in New Orleans.
Dec 26, 2021 5:12 AM EST
Coach Matt Rhule named Newton the Panthers' starting quarterback for Sunday's game against the Buccaneers, David Newton of ESPN.com reports.
Analysis: Newton has had tepid results since returning to Carolina ahead of a Week 10 game at Arizona, completing 54.9 percent of his passes for 623 yards, four touchdowns and four interceptions over the last five games. Fortunately for the 11-year pro, he's made up for it on the ground with 41 carries for 183 yards and one TD in each contest. Rhule relayed Wednesday that Sam Darnold (shoulder) has been cleared for contact, but it's unclear when he may get back on the active roster and challenge for reps over the final three outings of the campaign.
Dec 22, 2021 11:45 AM EST
Newton completed 18 of 39 pass attempts for 156 yards, one touchdown and one interception while running for 71 yards and one touchdown on 15 carries against Buffalo on Sunday.
Analysis: Perhaps Newton's passing struggles can be explained by his circumstances -- the turmoil in the Carolina coaching staff, the poor offensive line, his lack of practice with the Panthers -- but all of those explanations have no end in sight, either. In the meantime he's dependent on his rushing production to carry his box score. It's something Newton is clearly capable of, but it makes him risky despite his theoretical upside. The good news is P.J. Walker didn't play in this one, but the bad news is the Panthers face an improving Tampa Bay defense in Week 16.
Dec 19, 2021 2:02 PM EST
Newton is still expected to start Sunday's game in Buffalo after the Panthers designated Sam Darnold (shoulder) to return from IR on Wednesday, The Athletic reports.
Analysis: With Darnold not likely to be available this weekend, Newton is on track for another start but could lose snaps to P.J. Walker for a third straight game. All three QBs have completed less than 60 percent of their passes this year, and Newton's the only one with more touchdowns (three passing, four rushing) than turnovers (four). While his running ability arguably gives him the most fantasy upside of the trio, Newton hasn't been helpful to the Carolina pass catchers and still hasn't won a start (0-3). The late-season schedule won't be any help, with Carolina playing three of four games on the road and facing the Bills, Bucs (twice) and Saints.
Dec 15, 2021 9:43 AM EST
Coach Matt Rhule said Monday that the plan is for both Newton and P.J. Walker to see playing time under center, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.
Analysis: Newton struggled to get much going through the air against Atlanta's mediocre secondary during Sunday's 29-21 loss, completing just 15 of 23 passes for 178 yards and an interception, but Rhule did say after the game that the one-time NFL MVP remains Carolina's starting quarterback. That said, Newton was benched with 6:10 remaining in the fourth quarter for Walker, who completed six of 12 passes for 75 yards with a touchdown and an interception. Turnovers plagued both quarterbacks, as Newton also fumbled twice, losing one, and Walker fumbled once but recovered the ball. Carolina will travel to Buffalo for a difficult Week 15 matchup, and while the initial game plan seems as though it will involve both Newton and Walker, both signal-callers could have a short leash.
Dec 13, 2021 9:15 AM EST
Newton completed 15 of 23 passes for 178 yards with no touchdowns and one interception and added 47 yards and a touchdown on 10 rushes in the Panthers' 29-21 loss to the Falcons on Sunday. He also committed two fumbles, losing one, and recovering the other, and he was replaced by P.J. Walker with 6:10 remaining in the contest.
Analysis: Newton struggled to get much going through the air after capping off a nine-play, 65-yard march with a 12-yard rushing touchdown on Carolina's first possession of the contest. The veteran struggled with ball security, and his second-quarter interception at the Falcons' 36-yard line was returned for a touchdown by Mykal Walker to snap a 7-7 tie at the time. Newton was finally pulled by head coach Matt Rhule after taking a 10-yard loss on a sack with 9:59 remaining in the game, with Walker taking over the next time the Panthers had the ball. David Newton of ESPN.com reports Rhule noted after the game that Cam is still the starting quarterback, but that the turnovers must be curtailed. The one-time NFL MVP's next opportunity to secure his grip on the starting job is far from an ideal one, as Carolina travels to Buffalo in Week 15.
Dec 12, 2021 1:29 PM EST
Coach Matt Rhule reiterated Wednesday that Newton is his starting quarterback, though Rhule did leave the door open for P.J. Walker to get some playing time, David Newton of ESPN.com reports.
Analysis: Newton and Walker were last seen Week 12, with the latter subbing in for the former in the second half of a 33-10 loss to Miami. The 32-year-old Newton completed only five of 21 passes in the blowout, after going 21-of-27 the week before (with three total TDs) in a narrow loss to Washington. He'll get another start after the Week 13 bye and should take all or nearly all the QB snaps, but Newton's job doesn't exactly look secure beyond the upcoming Week 14 game against Atlanta. That said, the favorable matchup could go a long way.
Dec 8, 2021 1:00 PM EST
Coach Matt Rhule said Monday that Newton is expected to start Sunday's game against Atlanta, Jonathan M. Alexander of The Charlotte Observer reports.
Analysis: Newton completed just five of 21 passes for 92 yards and two interceptions while rushing three times for five yards and a touchdown in the Panthers' loss to Miami in Week 12. Although he was benched late in the contest, he's expected to begin Sunday's game against the Falcons under center. Rhule isn't yet sure whether P.J. Walker will have a role for Carolina in Week 14, but it appears as though Newton should see the majority of the work against the Falcons' favorable defense.
Dec 6, 2021 11:01 AM EST
Newton completed just five of 21 passes for 92 yards with no touchdowns and two interceptions in the Panthers' 33-10 loss to the Dolphins on Sunday. He also rushed three times for five yards and a touchdown and was benched in favor of P.J. Walker with 10:58 remaining, Ellis Williams of The Charlotte Observer reports.
Analysis: The feel-good story of Newton's return to Carolina appeared well on its way to adding another chapter early in Sunday's contest, as the veteran completed a 64-yard pass to D.J. Moore and finished off the drive with a one-yard rushing touchdown three plays later. However, that would prove to be the highlight of the afternoon for both Newton and the Panthers, as he completed just four more passes and threw the pair of picks in his own territory, the latter leading to a Dolphins touchdown. Although Newton showed some flashes in a Week 11 loss to Washington, his first start since last season, Sunday naturally represented a step back. Given the context under which Newton was brought on earlier in November and the fact Walker didn't really fare any better leading the offense, the former is expected to be back under center for a Week 13 divisional matchup against the Falcons.
Nov 28, 2021 1:28 PM EST
Newton completed 21 of 27 passes for 189 yards and two touchdowns in Sunday's 27-21 loss to Washington. He also rushed 10 times for 46 yards and another score.
Analysis: Newton, making his first start of the season, opened the scoring with a 10-yard pass to DJ Moore in the first quarter. The signal-caller then took off for a 24-yard touchdown run during the second, scoring through the air and on the ground in back-to-back outings. With a 27-yard touchdown to tailback Christian McCaffrey to tie the game later on, Newton turned in an impressive overall performance just 10 days after rejoining the Panthers. Although his efforts weren't enough for a victory, Newton's signature dual-threat ability has his stock trending up ahead of Week 12's matchup versus the Dolphins.
Nov 21, 2021 1:22 PM EST
Coach Matt Rhule confirmed Friday that Newton will start Sunday's game against Washington, Joe Person of The Athletic reports.
Analysis: Rhule also said fellow QB P.J. Walker will "probably" get playing time, without elaborating on what exactly that means. Newton's rushing prowess, especially near the goal line, gives him some fantasy upside without much passing production, but it dos become a harder sell if the Panthers are subbing Walker in on even a semi-regular basis. Of course, it's also possible Rhule is bluffing, or else leaving the door open to give Walker some snaps if Newton struggles early. Whatever the case, Newton is Carolina's starting quarterback again, at least for Week 11.
Nov 19, 2021 10:28 AM EST
Coach Matt Rhule said Wednesday that things are "trending toward" Newton being the starter for Sunday's game against Washington, Cameron Wolfe of NFL Network reports.
Analysis: Rhule said both Newton and P.J. Walker will prepare to play, with the team potentially installing different packages to keep two QBs involved. It was largely Walker's show in the Week 10 win over Arizona, though Newton managed a rushing TD and a passing TD on only nine snaps. In terms of fantasy value, Walker wouldn't offer much in a starting role with Newton poaching red-zone work off the bench, but Newton himself carries a degree of upside if/when he takes over as the full-time QB. Whether that happens this Sunday remains to be seen.
Nov 17, 2021 11:59 AM EST
Coach Matt Rhule said Monday that Newton will handle most of the practice reps heading into Week 11's matchup against Washington, Jonathan M. Alexander of The Charlotte Observer reports.
Analysis: Newton scored twice in his first action of the season, Sunday's win over the Cardinals, but he only touched the ball seven times. If he can get up to speed with Carolina's playbook in time to face Washington in Week 11, it appears that Newton could officially return to the starting lineup for the Panthers. If not, PJ Walker will stand to draw another start, with Newton potentially mixing in for another 10 or 15 snaps.
Nov 15, 2021 8:42 AM EST
Newton completed three of four passes for eight yards and a touchdown, and rushed three times for 14 yards and another score in Sunday's 34-10 win over the Cardinals.
Analysis: Newton announced his return to the Panthers by producing touchdowns on his first two plays. He first rushed in from two yards on Carolina's opening drive, before finding Robby Anderson for a two-yard passing score to cap the second series. In doing so, he made an immediate impact through the same dual-threat ability that made him a Panthers legend over his previous nine years with the franchise. Going forward, it remains to be seen whether Newton or P.J. Walker -- who completed 22 of 29 passes for 167 yards but threw an interception and lost a fumble Sunday -- will start at quarterback, but Newton certainly made a strong impression in his brief season debut.
Nov 14, 2021 4:45 PM EST
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