Cam Newton
QB FA
Tue 3/21/23 8:18 AM

Newton will throw in front of NFL teams at Auburn's Pro Day on Tuesday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
EDGE Analysis
Newton, who did not suit up for NFL action in 2022 and finished the 2021 season as Carolina's backup quarterback, will audition his talents for another opportunity in the league. A free agent turning 34 in May, it's possible Newton could still garner some interest as a veteran No. 2 option and mentor. That would likely depend on what sort of contract Newton desires, but he at least believes he has enough left in the tank to continue contributing on the field.

Cam Newton
QB FA
Tue 3/29/22 9:47 AM1 Comment

Newton said Tuesday that teams have expressed interest in signing him to a contract this offseason, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
EDGE 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," the 2015 league MVP said. 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 the former 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.

Cam Newton
QB FA
Mon 1/10/22 11:41 AM

Newton said Monday that he's open to accepting a backup role in the future, Joe Person of The Athletic reports.
EDGE Analysis
Newton is a pending unrestricted free agent, and though his reunion with Carolina proved to be a disappoitment, 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 operation such as the Panthers, who finished the 2021 regular season at the bottom of the NFC South standings.

Cam Newton
QB FA
Mon 1/3/22 4:47 PM

Newton rushed for five yards on his only snap played in Sunday's 18-10 loss to the Saints.
EDGE 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 be the starter Week 18 versus the Buccaneers, David Newton of ESPN.com reports. That situation makes Newton's involvement difficult to project, especially after Sunday's season-low snap count, but he potentially could be a factor in favorable running situations, including in the red zone.

Cam Newton
QB FA
Fri 12/31/21 1:13 PM

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.
EDGE 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.

Cam Newton
QB FA
Wed 12/29/21 2:33 PM

Sam Darnold will replace Newton as Carolina's starting quarterback this Sunday against the Saints, David Newton of ESPN.com reports.
EDGE 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.

Cam Newton
QB FA
Sun 12/26/21 5:38 PM

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.
EDGE Analysis
Newton initially was subbed out for Sam Darnold (shoulder) after throwing an interception with 1:48 remaining in the first quarter, and while he did reenter 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 will 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.

Cam Newton
QB FA
Sun 12/26/21 8:12 AM

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.
EDGE 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.

Cam Newton
QB FA
Wed 12/22/21 2:45 PM

Head coach Matt Rhule named Newton the Panthers' starting quarterback for Sunday's game against the Buccaneers, David Newton of ESPN.com reports.
EDGE Analysis
Newton has had tepid results since re-signing with 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 those who have used Newton in fantasy lineups, he's made up for it on the ground with 41 carries for 183 yards and four scores. Rhule relayed Wednesday that Sam Darnold (shoulder) has been cleared for contact, but it's unclear when he may get reinstated from injured reserve and challenge for reps over the final three outings of the campaign.

Cam Newton
QB FA
Sun 12/19/21 5:02 PM

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.
EDGE 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 there's no immediate answer for any of those factors. 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 he wasn't pulled for P.J. Walker this week, but the bad is Newton must face an improving Tampa Bay defense in Week 16.