May 11 passed without the Carolina Panthers wishing Cam Newton, at least publicly, a happy birthday. But that doesn’t mean the two sides have stopped acknowledging one another.
While talking with Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio on Wednesday’s edition of #PFTPM, general manager Scott Fitterer said he and head coach Matt Rhule have remained in contact with the newly-turned 33-year-old quarterback.
“I think we’re still having thoughts,” Fitterer said. “We have to see how this works out here throughout the spring. I just happened to be up at the [Kentucky] Derby last weekend and Cam was up there. We’re texting a little bit. The lines of communication are open. I know Coach Rhule has spoken with him. We are going to have a discussion at some point but we’re just not quite there yet, but we’ll see how it goes. The more competition we have at that position the better.”
The competition—as it currently stands—includes presumed starter Sam Darnold, veteran P.J. Walker and 2022 draft pick Matt Corral. But even with the franchise likely to give the young third-rounder his chance this season, Fitterer said he believes Newton would still be a fine addition given his nature as a leader and competitor.
“The one thing I learned about him is how unselfish he is and what a team guy he is,” he added. “I had this perception from the outside coming in here who I thought he was. He was one of the hardest workers on our team. He’s a leader. He took the young guys under his wing. They do look up to him naturally. He does have that presence, but he’s a team-first guy. He’s a competitor, but he’s a team-first guy so we have no problem bringing him in.
No word, however, on if a new contract would come with a belated birthday cake.