Panthers GM addresses interest in potential return of Cam Newton

The NFL quarterback carousel has been nothing short of crazy this offseason. One of the players on the market is Cam Newton — and the Carolina Panthers GM spoke about potentially bringing him back.

Scott Fitterer met the media Friday and addressed the Panthers’ potential interest in Newton’s return. He came back to Charlotte last season after the Panthers’ quarterback situation got turned upside down. But the contract was only through the end of the season. It doesn’t sound like a reunion is entirely off the table based on Fitterer’s comments.

He confirmed Matt Rhule has spoken with Newton before sharing his thoughts.

“It’s gotta be a good fit for him,” Fitterer said, via The Athletic’s Joe Person. “It’s gotta be a good fit for us. … The door’s still open for us. We’ll see where it goes.”

In eight games for Carolina last year — including five starts — Newton completed 69 of 126 passes for 684 yards and four touchdowns in the air while rushing for 230 yards and five touchdowns on the ground. The Panthers went 5-12 in 2021 with Newton and Sam Darnold under center.

But the Panthers have been in on other quarterback targets. They spoke with the Houston Texans about potentially trading for Deshaun Watson before he ended up going to the Cleveland Browns. Then, Carolina became linked to Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield, but that doesn’t sound like it’s going to happen.

The Panthers have also been doing their work on former Pitt standout Kenny Pickett, who could be an option in the draft.

Panthers, Steelers send top brass to Kenny Pickett’s Pro Day

As the 2022 NFL Draft approaches, teams are sending out scouts all over the country to the top Pro Days on college campuses. On Monday, the Pitt Panthers hosted their Pro Day, featuring top-five quarterback prospect Kenny Pickett. While there were at least nine quarterback coaches in attendance, two teams sent their general managers and head coaches to check out the Pitt star.

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin and Carolina Panthers head coach Matt Rhule both watched Pickett go through his second combine. He also remeasured his hand size, measuring 8 5/8 inches, an increase of 1/8 of an inch, according to NFL.com.

The Panthers have the No. 6 pick in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. It’s likely too high of a spot for them to take Pickett, however, they could make a favorable trade for him. The Steelers have the No. 20 pick in the first round. However, they recently added Mitch Trubisky to the QB room, making their choice less clear.