The Carolina Panthers aren’t ruling out the possibility of signing quarterback Cam Newton, but the 2015 NFL MVP is exploring other options.
“I have teams that are interested in signing me,” Newton told ESPN Network’s Adam Schefter via text message. “I’m waiting to find the best solution to win a championship and have a real chance to play. »
Newton helped the Panthers go 15-1 and reach the Super Bowl in 2015. Since then, he’s gone 30-36 as a starting quarterback. Plagued by shoulder and foot injuries, Newton went 13-23 over the past four seasons.
As the starting quarterback for the New England Patriots in 2020, he went 7-8 after being released by the Panthers.
The Panthers brought Newton home at the end of last season after starter Sam Darnold was placed on the disabled list. Newton went 0-5 as a starter and was replaced by Darnold in the final game.
Panthers head coach Matt Rhule says he has stayed in touch with Newton since the end of the season.
“I love Cam Newton,” he said Tuesday at the NFL owners’ meeting in South Florida. “He is an extraordinary leader. He is an extraordinary football player. Everything we do must be good for the organization, good for him. »
It’s not yet clear whether Newton, who turns 33 in May, will want to return to the Panthers, who are 10-23 since Rhule took charge of the team two years ago. Carolina hasn’t had a winning season since 2018.
“It’s not just us saying, ‘Cam, come back.’ He must want to come back. He must like the role, the situation. It should suit both sides. »
” The door is open. I would like to have someone with his leadership, his tenacity. He brought so much to his team last year and gave us stability during a really difficult time. He’s a really special person. »
