Matt Rhule announces new starting quarterback after Cam Newton signing

The Carolina Panthers will start quarterback PJ Walker this week against the Arizona Cardinals, according to head coach Matt Rhule, via NFL Network’s Ian Rapaport. The second-year coach also revealed Cam Newton will be named starter once he is “up to speed” with the offense.

Walker has appeared in seven NFL games over two seasons. He made one start in 2020, beating the Detroit Lions 20-0 with the Panthers.

The Panthers were forced to make drastic changes inside the quarterback this week after Sam Darnold was placed on injury reserve without a definitive return date. On Wednesday, Matt Rhule said the starting quarterback is expected to miss at least four weeks, while other reports suggest between four and six.

The former first-round draft pick joined the Panthers this offseason after a trade with the New York Jets. After a 3-0 start which offered every bit of promise the front office hoped for, Darnold struggled to cope with the absence of running back Christian McCaffrey.

Now 4-5, the Panthers hope their combination of PJ Walker, Cam Newton and Matt Barkley can overcome Sam Darnold’s absence and return to playoff contention.

Cam Newton returns to Carolina

Veteran quarterback Cam Newton has returned to Carolina, where he was drafted No. 1 overall in 2011.

“Big-time reunion: The Panthers are signing former franchise QB Cam Newton after the meeting with Carolina brass today,” tweeted NFL insider Ian Rapoport. “Thanks to the Sam Darnold injury, Cam is back with the Panthers.”

The Panthers have been searching for a replacement for Newton since he left the franchise after the 2019 season. Now, he looks to provide stability at the quarterback position as the team looks to make a run at the playoffs.

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,” tweeted Rapoport. “Includes $4.5M fully guaranteed and $1.5M roster bonus.”

The 32-year-old quarterback 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 also 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.