Veteran QB Cam Newton signing with the Carolina Panthers

The Carolina Panthers have agreed to terms with quarterback Cam Newton and will re-sign the 2015 NFL MVP, pending a physical. 

The deal is reportedly worth up to $10 million, including $4.5 million fully guaranteed and a $1.5 million roster bonus.

Newton has been out of football since August when he was released by the New England Patriots. The Panthers initially drafted Newton with the No. 1 overall pick of the 2011 NFL Draft.

Click here for more PFF tools:

Rankings & Projections | WR/CB Matchup Chart | NFL & NCAA Betting Dashboards | NFL Player Props tool | NFL & NCAA Power Rankings

The Panthers were in need of a quarterback after losing starter Sam Darnold to a shoulder injury for 4-to-6 weeks. Carolina’s only other quarterback options were Phillip Walker, Matt Barkley and James Morgan.

It’s unclear if Newton will be ready to start Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals, with just three days to prepare for the Week 10 matchup. Though Newton has an extensive history with the Panthers, he has no experience in head coach Matt Rhule and offensive coordinator Joe Brady’s current offense.

Cam Newton: PFF grades and rank by year

Click here to view Cam Newton's career in PFF Premium Stats

Newton started 15 games for the Patriots last season, leading the team to a 7-8 record. He completed 65.8% of his passes for 2,657 yards, with eight passing touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He also added 12 rushing touchdowns, finishing the year ranked 23rd among 42 qualifying signal-callers in PFF overall grade.

The Panthers released Newton after the 2019 season after they couldn’t find a trade partner. In the meantime, Carolina signed Teddy Bridgewater to a three-year, $63 million contract during the 2020 offseason before trading him to the Denver Broncos for a 2021 sixth-round pick. Carolina then traded a 2021 sixth-round pick and 2022 second- and fourth-round picks to the New York Jets for Darnold. After trading for Darnold, they exercised his 2022 fifth-year option.

Newton signed a one-year deal with the Panthers, per NFL Media’s Tom Pelissero.