Cam Newton’s NFL hiatus is over, and he will be returning to the Carolina Panthers.
The 2015 league MVP signed a one-year deal worth up to $10 million.
His new deal with his old team includes $4.5 million in guaranteed money and a $1.5 million roster bonus.
Source: The #Panthers are giving QB Cam Newton a 1-year deal worth up to $10M for the rest of year…includes $4.5M fully guaranteed and $1.5M roster bonus.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 11, 2021
This news will energize the Panthers faithful as they get back the quarterback that led them to play in Super Bowl 50.
Newton returns to his old stomping grounds after spending a year with the New England Patriots.
To remember his contributions to the game, here are the top three seasons of his NFL career.
3. 2017 – His Last Winning Season In Carolina
Call it a Super Bowl hangover, but the Panthers finished 6-10 after playing in the sport’s biggest game.
Newton also missed one regular-season game and started in only 14.
However, he helped Carolina bounce back with an 11-5 record the following year.
Two of their losses were at home against the New Orleans Saints and the Philadelphia Eagles.
"You've been watching film too huh? That's cool. Watch this."
One of @CameronNewton's best moments ever with the @Panthers. (via @thecheckdown) pic.twitter.com/1rN3N6t7Mm
— NFL (@NFL) November 12, 2021
His completion percentage also went up from 52.9 to 59.1.
The former college standout finished the 2017 season with 3,302 passing yards and 22 touchdowns.
He also added 754 rushing yards and six scores from the ground.
Sadly, their postseason run didn’t last long because they lost again to the Saints in their Wild Card game, 31-26.
Cam Newton walking back into the Panthers facility pic.twitter.com/3hzsI8Bf37
— Josiah Johnson (@KingJosiah54) November 11, 2021
The Panthers did not defeat the Saints in three games that season.
In his only playoff game that year, Newton finished with 24 completions for 340 yards and two touchdowns.
After this season, Newton earned the 25th spot in the NFL Top 100 Players of 2018 list.
2. 2013 – The Rise Of Cam
It was in this year that Newton made the NFL playoffs for the first time.
Unfortunately, their run ended with a loss to the San Francisco 49ers in the Divisional Round.
Despite the defeat, the Panthers had much to celebrate because they became legitimate title contenders starting that season.
Newton started all 16 games and led the Panthers to a 12-4 record.
Cam Newton showing up at the Panthers stadium like pic.twitter.com/ruuRxlvNh0
— Mina Kimes (@minakimes) November 11, 2021
Three of their losses came on the road against the Saints, Arizona Cardinals, and Buffalo Bills.
However, the Panthers had an eight-game win streak from Weeks 6 to 13.
He completed 61.7 percent of his passes and threw for 3,379 yards to go with 24 touchdowns.
The then-third year pro added 585 rushing yards and six touchdowns.
"I've been clear on the impact [Cam Newton] has made on my career. He's the best thing to ever happen to me, on and off the field.
I am thrilled. I am jacked. I can't wait to see what he does."
– @gregolsen88 on @CameronNewton rejoining the @Panthers pic.twitter.com/1YJG43lkSa
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) November 12, 2021
Newton had 16 completions, 267 passing yards, 54 rushing yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions in his lone playoff game.
His efforts named him to the Pro Bowl and ranked him 24th on the NFL’s Top 100 Players of 2014 list.
1. 2015 – MVP, Pro Bowl, All-Pro, And Super Bowl Year
This year was an easy choice because Newton was at the summit of the NFL.
They could have completed a perfect regular season if not for their Week 16 loss to the Atlanta Falcons.
However, they made it to Super Bowl 50, where they faced the Denver Broncos.
In three postseason games, Newton had 851 total yards and five touchdowns.
First look at @CameronNewton in a @Panthers uniform. 😏 pic.twitter.com/YoMdurjR4t
— NFL (@NFL) November 11, 2021
But it was in the regular season wherein he did the most damage.
Newton tallied numbers of 3,837 yards and a career-high 35 passing touchdowns and 10 rushing scores.
His dominance and versatility this season gave him his third Pro Bowl selection.
Cam Newton is back where he belongs…
(🎥 @Panthers)pic.twitter.com/LHOHvfWQTC
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) November 12, 2021
He was also a First-Team All-Pro and named Offensive Player of the Year.
More importantly, he became the league’s Most Valuable Player that year and the first Panther to receive the award.
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