Cam Newton’s second stint with the Panthers got off to a good start. But what about next year? – The Athletic

From his two-touch-in-two-touch comeback in Arizona to his misty “Go Home” introduction to Washington, Orange Newton once again shows he knows how to create an entrance.

But the bigger question arises in the last six matches of this ups and downs battle Panthers season is whether there will be another awkward and painful exit for Newton after it’s over.

Since owner David Tepper hired Matt Rhule in January 2020, the Panthers have twice turned and slipped in midfield before bringing in the guy they moved in in the first place. And while it’s a small sample, Newton has shown him to be a better choice Teddy Bridgewater and Sam Darnold.

What happens next depends largely on how the next month and a half plays out. If Newton leads the Panthers (5-6) to the knockout stages to break a three-year post-season drought, it will be difficult to move from a franchise icon whose comeback has rejuvenated the base. fan.

When the Panthers reached out to Newton After Darnold injured his shoulder this month, the two sides discussed a two-year deal before agreeing to a one-year, $6 million deal. The deal includes incentives that would push it to $10 million if the Panthers win the Super Bowl and Newton is the game’s MVP.

The Panthers are poised to bring Newton back as starters in 2022.