Panthers GM updates Cam Newton's availability vs. Cardinals

It’s been two years since Cam Newton wore a Carolina Panthers jersey. There’s a chance he could be back in uniform this weekend after agreeing to a one-year deal Thursday afternoon.

Panthers general manager Scott Fitterer met the media Thursday about the signing and was asked if Newton will play in Sunday’s game against Arizona. He said he wasn’t sure, and it’ll be up to the coaches to decide if he’s ready.

Fitterer says the idea of bringing Cam to Carolina was for him to play. He's not sure if he will play Sunday yet or not.

"It depends how quickly he can pick it up and how comfortable our coaches feel about putting him in."

— Bridget Condon (@BridgetCondon_) November 11, 2021

“It depends how quickly he can pick it up and how comfortable our coaches feel about putting him in,” Fitterer said.

Panthers coach Matt Rhule said earlier that PJ Walker would be the starter on Sunday because Newton needs time to get “up to speed” with his offense. Remember: The last time Newton played in Carolina, Perry Fewell was the interim coach after Ron Rivera was fired. So this will be his first time playing in Rhule’s offense.

Cam Newton agrees to massive deal to return to Carolina

Newton and the Panthers and agreed to reunite today — setting the NFL world ablaze. With the Panthers in the thick of the NFC playoff race, Newton will hope to return and lead his former squad to the promise-land once again.

While many have hypothesized that Newton is just keeping Sam Darnold’s seat warm, his contract states otherwise. According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, Newton is receiving “legit and real starter money.”

Source: The #Panthers are giving QB Cam Newton a 1-year deal worth up to $10M for the rest of year…includes $4.5M fully guaranteed and $1.5M roster bonus.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 11, 2021

“Source: The #Panthers are giving QB Cam Newton a 1-year deal worth up to $10M for the rest of year,” tweeted Rapoport. “Includes $4.5M fully guaranteed and $1.5M roster bonus.”

Evidently, the Panthers are committing to their former star for the rest of 2021. While Darnold was capable through the first three weeks of the season, the wheels have truly fallen off over recent weeks.

Moreover, Newton spent the first nine years of his NFL career in Charlotte after the Panthers used their No. 1 overall selection on the Auburn signal caller in 2011. He led the Panthers to three division titles, four playoff appearances and a Super Bowl appearance, and he was named NFL MVP in 2015.

In total, Newton started 124 of the 125 games in which he played for the Panthers and threw for 31,698 yards, 190 touchdowns and 118 interceptions. A true dual-threat quarterback, he also had 4,806 rushing yards and 58 scores on the ground.

This weekend, the Panthers have a tough-test with the Arizona Cardinals. It remains to be seen if the team will go with backup P.J. Walker, or give Newton a shot against the top team in the NFC.

On3’s Stephen Samra contributed to this report.