Panthers' Matt Rhule on Possible Cam Newton Signing: I Won't Discuss Hypotheticals

Carolina Panthers head coach Matt Rhule declined to discuss a potential reunion between the franchise and free-agent quarterback Cam Newton when speaking to reporters Wednesday:

The Panthers might be in the market for a quarterback after Rhule confirmed Sam Darnold suffered a shoulder injury that could keep him out for four to six weeks. P.J. Walker will serve as the starting quarterback, while Carolina has added Matt Barkley.

A lot of Panthers fans would probably be on board with signing Newton. The 32-year-old spent nine seasons with the team and helped guide Carolina to an NFC championship in 2015 as he won the NFL MVP award. He is arguably the greatest player in franchise history.

Former Panthers safety Tre Boston offered his thoughts on the matter:

But Carolina had reasons for moving on from the three-time Pro Bowler ahead of the 2020 season. He was limited to two games in 2019 after shoulder surgery that January and then going under the knife again for a foot injury in December.

Newton's lone year with the New England Patriots didn't restore his on-field value. He threw for 2,657 yards, eight touchdowns and 10 interceptions in 15 appearances, though he ran for 592 yards and 12 touchdowns. He told I Am Athlete (h/t NFL.com) after the season that he thought testing positive for COVID-19 adversely impacted his performance.

Regardless, Carolina may not have much to lose in terms of pursuing Newton.

Walker went 24-of-34 for 258 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions in his lone NFL start in 2020, and he was a mess (3-of-14, 33 yards) in relief of Darnold in a 25-3 loss to the New York Giants in Week 7.

Newton would likely be a short-term upgrade, and given how the Darnold experiment is trending, the front office may not have to worry about how Newton's presence would impact plans beyond 2021.