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They're reunited and it feels so good! After a two-year breakup, Darin Gantt of the Carolina Panthers has reported that Cam Newton will return to the franchise pending a physical. Details regarding the deal are still unclear, but it does appear that he will join a quarterback room in Charlotte that includes P.J. Walker and Matt Barkley. With Sam Darnold out of action for four to six weeks, Newton will have an opportunity to compete for the team's starting position.
Newton will return to the Panthers as the most successful quarterback in franchise history. In his first nine seasons, Gantt reports that Newton threw for more than 29,000 yards, piled up 182 passing touchdowns and ran for another 58 touchdowns. He's currently the franchise leader in passing yards, passing touchdowns and rushing touchdowns. Newton is also third in rushing yards for the Carolina Panthers. Not to mention, he won an NFL MVP award and NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors in Charlotte. Above all else, he led the team to a 15-1 record and an NFC Championship in 2016.
Newton's relationship with the Panthers became strained in 2019 after he suffered a series of injuries. The Panthers' longtime head coach Ron Rivera ended up leaving for Washington and Newton landed in New England with the Patriots. With Bill Belichick and company, Newton got off to a great start that included a 442-yard performance against the Seahawks. However, things took a turn for the worse after he tested positive for COVID-19 early in the season. He was able to finish out the 2020 season, but the Patriots missed the playoffs and replaced him with rookie quarterback Mac Jones this season.
Months after being cut in New England, Newton is back on his feet in his old stomping grounds. He will join Carolina as they place the conference-leading Arizona Cardinals on Sunday.
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