It’s official. The Carolina Panthers have released quarterback Cam Newton.
Newton has been on the trade block for a while, but the team ultimately couldn’t find a partner despite engaging in talks with the Chicago Bears and the Los Angeles Chargers. One major question was regarding Newton’s health. However, it seems that he’s been cleared.
According to Adam Schefter at ESPN, Newton took a physical in Atlanta yesterday coordinated between the team and his agency. He passed and both the foot and the shoulder are in good shape.
Cam Newton had a physical in Atlanta yesterday coordinated by the Panthers and his agency team, per sources. Newton passed the physical and is healthy, per source, with both his shoulder and foot “checking out well and he is hungrier than ever and eager for the next opportunity.”
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 24, 2020
And so he becomes a free agent.
Newton spent a total of nine seasons in Carolina after going No. 1 overall, playing in 125 regular season games. Cam’s record was 68-55-1 and he totaled 29,041 passing yards, 182 touchdowns, 108 interceptions and a 86.1 passer rating. As a rusher, Newton posted 4,806 yards and 58 touchdowns, the most by any quarterback in league history. Along the way, Newton made three Pro Bowl teams, earned one first-team All Pro nod and one MVP award.
Now that we know he’s healthy, Newton qualifies as an instant upgrade for several teams.
As for the Panthers, they’ll move forward with Teddy Bridgewater as their new starting QB and P.J. Walker will likely back him up.
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