Cam Newton

Carolina's move to bring back franchise icon Cam Newton on Thursday electrified the fan base, with children all over Charlotte pulling old Newton jerseys out of their closets to wear to school on Friday. 

Once Newton stepped on the field against a one-loss Arizona Cardinals team, the feel-good story got even better, as he generated touchdowns on his first two snaps of the game and inspired the Panthers to a 34-10 rout.

After running the ball in from two yards out for a score on his first play of the season, Newton ripped his helmet off and screamed "I'm back!" at the television cameras.  

The Panthers could not have been happier, as they got back to .500 at 5-5 and steadied themselves in the NFC playoff picture, where they currently sit seventh. 

"The energy was crazy today," said Panthers linebacker – and former Cardinal – Haason Reddick. "It was on a different level." 

Newton was at the center of it, but the former MVP tried in his inimitable way to deflect credit after the game. 

"I'll put it like this: This time last week, I was eating a bowl of cereal. You feel me?" Newton told reporters. 

"So, that just puts things into perspective. After going to church, being with my children and really not even watching football; it was just about maximising the person I need to be and so for that it was just all a rush of emotions.

"But yet I know a lot of people in the media, the titles of the newspapers, the blogs, they want to make it about me and it's not about me and I keep saying this. This was an impeccable team win."

Panthers head coach Matt Rhule echoed the latter sentiment, praising quarterback P.J. Walker for his performance but declining to commit to giving him another start next week. 

"That was fun today," Rhule said. "Let's let it be fun." 

Considering the Panthers return home next week to host the Washington Football Team, led by long-time Panthers coach Ron Rivera, Bank of America Stadium would be at a fever pitch if Newton did indeed get the start after a full week of practice. 

The 32-year-old Newton played only eight snaps in Arizona but was the center of attention before, during and after the game. 

Asked how much of the Panthers' playbook he had a chance to learn in the handful of days since he signed, Newton replied, "Two touchdowns' worth." 

Rhule was introduced as the Panthers' new coach on Wednesday after Ron Rivera's sacking in December, and attention quickly turned to star NFL quarterback Newton.

Newton endured another injury-hit season, with the 2015 MVP making just two appearances due to a foot problem as the Panthers finished 5-11.

There are doubts over Newton – out of contract in 2021 – and the 30-year-old's future in Carolina but Rhule said he needs time to study the Panthers' roster.

"I probably haven't had a chance with regards to really any player to get to talk to Marty [Hurney] and Mr. Tepper in terms of long-term vision, so I would never want to speak out of school or uneducatedly," said first-time NFL coach Rhule, who arrived from college team Baylor.

"What I will say is this: I had a chance to talk to Cam yesterday, and I have the utmost respect for him and what he's done, and I love the way he talked to me, to be quite honest. He didn't want to talk about the past. He wanted to talk about the future.

"But other than that, I would much rather talk to those guys and kind of get a feel for not just Cam but all those players on the roster and really have a good process moving forward for the entire roster."

Rhule added to NFL Network: "At the end of the day I know this: I know you need to win with a quarterback. And I know Cam's done a lot of winning and so I look forward to working with him but at the same time I'll talk to our ownership and GM and kind of really establish all the guys in the locker room -- him, Kyle Allen and Will Grier as well."

Newton, who has struggled in recent seasons with shoulder and foot injuries, has insisted the Panthers "forced" him into seeking a trade as he delivered an angry response to the team stating he had been made available.

Now, free agent Bridgewater – who had been linked with the New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers – is poised to replace him.

Newton, the first overall pick in 2011, has had a nine-year run with the Panthers and took them to Super Bowl 50 in a year he was crowned the league MVP.

A basic framework for a deal is reportedly in place that will see Bridgewater earn around $20million-a-year, with the finishing touches set to be applied before the new league year begins on Wednesday.

Bridgewater has backed up Drew Brees for the New Orleans Saints over the last two seasons and bided his time waiting for the right starting opportunity.

He has successfully rebuilt his career following the devastating knee injury he suffered while at the Minnesota Vikings in 2016.

The 27-year-old went 5-0 as he stepped in for an injured Brees last season and will now lead the Panthers into a new era alongside recently appointed head coach Matt Rhule.

Also significant is the presence of new Panthers Offensive Coordinator Joe Brady, who worked closely with Bridgewater while he was an assistant with the Saints.

Carolina announced they would allow the 2011 first overall pick to explore opportunities to join a new team on Tuesday following a meeting between the 2015 NFL MVP and general manager Marty Hurney.

"One of the distinct pleasures of my career was selecting Cam with the first pick in the 2011 draft," Hurney told the team's official website.

"Every year difficult decisions are made and they are never easy. We have been working with Cam and his agent to find the best fit for him moving forward and he will always be a Carolina Panther in our hearts."

Newton led the Panthers to Super Bowl 50 but was unable to cap his MVP season with the franchise's first Lombardi Trophy as Carolina suffered a 24-10 defeat to the Denver Broncos.

More recently, Newton's career has been blighted by injury. He played through a shoulder issue in 2018 as a once-promising Panthers season saw them miss the playoffs.

Last year, Newton featured in only two games before a Lisfranc fracture in his foot forced him to watch the rest of a 5-11 season from the sidelines.

Newton's prospective exit is the most significant step in the Panthers' rebuild under new head coach Matt Rhule, who replaced Ron Rivera in January.

A three-time Pro Bowler, Newton is set to leave the Panthers having thrown for 29,041 yards, 182 touchdowns and 108 interceptions in his career in Carolina.

The Panthers are rumoured to have strong interest in former Minnesota Vikings and New Orleans Saints quarterback Teddy Bridgewater as a potential replacement for Newton.

Carolina also hold the number seven overall pick in the 2020 draft.

Panthers quarterback Newton is out of contract in 2021 and there are doubts over the 2015 MVP's future in Carolina, where Matt Rhule is the new head coach.

Newton endured another injury-hit season, with the 30-year-old making just two appearances due to a foot problem as the Panthers finished 5-11.

"Listen. I'm not a doctor,'' Tepper said on Tuesday. "I've said it a million times, is he healthy? He's not a doctor.

"There's a lot of different things that can happen. Is he healthy? And then we can talk.''

Tepper added: "Look, I've said again and again about it, it's a question of how healthy he is.

"That's still the number one overwhelming thing, to see how healthy he is and to figure out when he's healthy or not. Everything comes from that.''

Brady was dismissed by Panthers head coach Matt Rhule earlier this week in the wake of their 33-10 loss to the Miami Dolphins.

The Panthers have lost three of their past four games and are 5-7 across the season, sitting second in the NFC South behind the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-3).

Newton, who returned to the Panthers last month for a second stint, has completed 29 of 52 attempts for 289 yards for three touchdowns in his three games for Carolina this season.

The quarterback failed to land any touchdowns with a 23.8 percent completion rate with two interceptions in the defeat to the Dolphins prior to their bye, making five of 21 attempts for 92 yards

"Do I think I had something to do with it?" Newton told reporters on Thursday when asked about Brady's dismissal. "The competitor in me, absolutely, yes. Because the truth of the matter is you don't lose your job because of success.

"Where I'm at now is doing what I can control to make sure that I have a job, too. Let's just be honest."

The Panthers' struggles on offense have been present before Newton's return to Carolina, having gone three straight games without a touchdown with Sam Darnold at QB.

Jeff Nixon has been handed the role as the Panthers' new offensive coordinator.

"I'm not going to lie, I'm proud to be in the position I'm in," Nixon said. "I'm extremely happy Coach Rhule gave me this opportunity. I'm going to try to make the most of it.

"I know in the past there really hasn't been a lot of people who look like me in this position, so I don't take that lightly. I'm going to do my best and try to represent others like me and do the best job I can."

Newton added: "I'm here to win. When we win, everyone else gets promotions. When we don't, people get cut along the way."

The team announced the decision in a statement released on Tuesday.

Carolina had previously confirmed they would allow Newton, the first overall pick in the 2011 draft, to seek a trade. The Panthers signed Teddy Bridgewater to be their starting quarterback in free agency.

Announcing Newton's release, Panthers general manager Marty Hurney said: "Cam has meant a lot to this organisation and the Carolinas.

"Everyone saw his performances on the field. I had the privilege of seeing how hard he worked off the field, and his commitment to this team when no one was watching.

"He's the ultimate competitor and it physically hurts him to lose. He willed this team to victory on many occasions and will always be considered one of the greatest players in the history of this franchise.

"His contributions to this team, this community and the game of football will leave a lasting impact on our organisation."

Newton won the MVP in the 2015 season, which saw him lead the Panthers to Super Bowl 50, where they lost to the Denver Broncos.

The Panthers made the playoffs in four of Newton's nine seasons with the team.

However, in recent years, Newton has been hindered by injuries.

Newton battled a shoulder injury in 2018, with a once-promising campaign derailed as the Panthers lost seven of their last eight games to finish 7-9.

He played only two games in 2019, losing both, with Lisfranc fracture forcing him to watch the rest of a 5-11 season from the sideline.

The Panthers fired head coach Ron Rivera in December, with Carolina now starting a rebuild under Matt Rhule.

Newton will not be part of that rebuild, and leaves the Panthers having thrown for 29,041 yards, 182 touchdowns and 108 interceptions.

Nick Folk drilled a 51-yard field goal as time expired at MetLife Stadium, where the Patriots scored 13 unanswered points in the fourth quarter.

It saw the Jets slump to 0-9 for the first time in their history as they suffered a ninth straight loss to the Patriots.

Joe Flacco, starting due to Sam Darnold's shoulder injury, threw three touchdown passes, completing 18 of 25 for 262 yards to go with one interception as he looked set to be leading the Jets to victory.

But Cam Newton, who completed 27 of 35 passes for 274 yards and rushed for two touchdowns, and the Patriots (3-5) rallied.

Jakobi Meyers had 169 receiving yards on 12 receptions for the Patriots, who are third in the AFC East.

Newton rushed in from five yards for the game's opening TD to give the Patriots a 7-3 lead after his 33-yard pass to Meyers set up the score.

Flacco and the Jets responded in the second quarter, outscoring the Patriots 17-3.

The Jets QB found Breshad Perriman with a brilliant 50-yard pass and an excellent 20-yarder to Jamison Crowder finished the half in style for New York.

With his pass to Perriman, Flacco passed Joe Montana (40,551) and went into 20th spot for most passing yards in NFL history.

The Jets had not had multiple pass TDs in an entire game since Week 15 last season, and Flacco helped them break that run in the first half.

The Patriots hit back to begin the second half as Rex Burkhead rushed in after a 13-play, 78-yard drive.

However, Flacco and Perriman combined again to restore the Jets' 10-point lead in the third quarter, although Folk's field goal with six minutes remaining brought the Patriots back within seven.

That would prove crucial as Newton rushed over to level the contest with just under two minutes remaining after a 72-yard drive.

And the QB put the Patriots in position in the final seconds, former Jet Folk delivering the game-winner.

Folk's 51-yarder was the longest game-winning field goal with no time left in the fourth quarter in the Patriots' history, surpassing Adam Vinatieri's 48-yarder to beat the Rams in Super Bowl XXXVI, as per Stats Perform.

Newton and Jones had appeared in a battle for the starting spot ahead of the 2021 season.

On Sunday, after the Pats' final preseason game against the New York Giants, coach Bill Belichick refused to declare his starter, saying: "We still have decisions to make."

But Newton played just 39 snaps in preseason, also missing five days due to a "misunderstanding" relating to COVID-19 tests. He has now been released.

The decision clears a path for Jones, a first-round pick who led Alabama to the College Football Playoff National Championship this year.

Belichick will hope the 22-year-old can be a long-term replacement for Tom Brady, who left for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before last season and went on to win the Super Bowl.

Newton was signed as a free agent to fill the void but completed just 65.8 per cent of his passes for 2,657 yards, eight touchdowns and 10 interceptions across 15 regular season games.

Although the 32-year-old did rush for 12 touchdowns – the most since 14 in his rookie year with Carolina Panthers in 2011 – even his underlying numbers through the air were poor.

Newton delivered a well-thrown, accurate ball on 76.1 per cent of his passes while averaging 7.07 air yards, below the 2020 league averages for quarterbacks with at least 100 attempts in both metrics (78.0 per cent and 8.16).

The departing three-time Pro Bowler was still handed a one-year contract ahead of Jones' arrival, but New England have clearly seen enough from the rookie in preseason.

At Alabama, Jones showed himself to be far more effective through the air than the man he will be replacing as starter. His 83.21 well-thrown percentage ranked third in the Power 5 in 2020.

Mahomes has enjoyed great success since entering the NFL as the number 10 pick in 2017, winning the Super Bowl and 2018 MVP award.

The Chiefs QB capped a fine Super Bowl LIV performance with the Most Valuable Player gong, and he has continued to impress in 2020.

Mahomes has completed 82 of 121 passes for 898 yards and nine touchdowns, helping reigning champions Kansas City to a 3-0 start.

The Chiefs will put their perfect record on the line against the Patriots on Sunday, and Newton hailed two-time Pro Bowler Mahomes.

"Man, he's changing the game," Newton said on Thursday. "I think he's shining light on the new wave of quarterbacks. It's just fun to watch."

"It's not like he's just back there and it's an arcade game," Newton added. "Sometimes it looks like it, but he knows exactly what he's doing and how he's manipulating the defense.

"That's the same thing that the Dan Marinos used to do. Obviously the Tom Bradys. The Aaron Rodgers. Those guys really have so much command of the offense that you dictate to the defense. That's what he's doing. He's playing the game at a high level."

Mahomes also spoke glowingly of Newton, who has guided the Patriots to a 2-1 start following Tom Brady's switch to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Newton – the 2015 MVP and three-time Pro Bowler – has completed 62 of 91 passes for 714 yards, two TDs and two interceptions, while he has rushed 35 times for 149 yards and four TDs.

"I wish I could do some of the things he does, as far as how physical he is, and the way he's able to make plays happen," Mahomes said.

"He's a great football player, someone I watched when he was at Auburn. He's in a great spot now and he's playing really good football."

Responding to Mahomes' praise, Newton added: "We all have our own platforms and I play this game for multiple reasons. A lot of those reasons kind of come off the backs of somebody empowering me.

"It's pretty neat to hear that, but at the end of the day we all have a responsibility to empower others, to motivate others, and to impact others. And through it all we just all have to use our influence in a positive way."

Newton will play for the Patriots in 2020 after signing a one-year deal following his Carolina Panthers release in March, filling the void left by legendary QB Tom Brady.

Asked about the former NFL MVP, Belichick said on Friday: "Cam's a hard-working kid. He really is. He's worked very hard, I'd say, as all of our players have.

"I'd say that certainly for all the quarterbacks, at that position, those guys have been locked in, focused and confident in what they're able to do and the information they have to give to the team -- playcalling, adjustments, audibles, protection adjustments, things like that. That's all going pretty well."

Newton spent the first nine seasons of his career with the Panthers after he was chosen first overall in the 2011 NFL Draft – throwing for 29,041 yards, 182 touchdowns and 108 interceptions.

He is a three-time Pro Bowl selection and was named the 2015 NFL MVP after leading the Panthers to a 15-1 record and an appearance in the Super Bowl before losing to the Denver Broncos.

The Panthers made the playoffs in four of Newton's nine seasons with the team.

However, in recent years, Newton has been hindered by injuries.

Newton battled a shoulder injury in 2018, with a once-promising campaign derailed as the Panthers lost seven of their last eight games to finish 7-9.

He played only two games in 2019, losing both, with Lisfranc fracture forcing him to watch the rest of a 5-11 season from the sideline.

Patriots running back Rex Burkhead added: "He's a big guy, that's for sure -- just his physical presence. He's always been a great player, just [with] his versatility -- his ability to run the ball and pass as well. He's been able to do that at a high level for many years.

"He's come in right away, head down, and tried to pick it up as quick as possible.... His first impact has been great. He's just trying to learn as much as he can and mesh and jell with the rest of the guys."

Newton was withdrawn in the fourth quarter of New England's 33-6 NFL defeat to San Francisco, having thrown three interceptions for the slumping Patriots.

A three-time Pro Bowler, former MVP Newton joined the Patriots on a one-year deal following his Carolina Panthers exit to replace legendary quarterback Tom Brady – who left for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

After finishing nine-of-15 for 98 yards as the Patriots fell to 2-4 following a third consecutive defeat, Newton told Boston sports radio station WEEI on Monday: "The first thing I said to myself coming home was, 'You keep playing games like that, bro, and it's going to be a permanent change'.

"You don't need to tell me that for me to understand that. I get it loud and clear."

In five appearances this season, Newton has completed 88 of 131 passes for 969 yards, two touchdowns, seven interceptions and 10 sacks.

Newton added: "For any type of competitor, do you feel embarrassed? Yeah. I don't feel offended by what was done. I don't feel offended having this type of conversation. I'm a realist.

"I don't fear my position stability more so than controlling the locker room. Performances like yesterday jeopardises [that]. It's like, 'Oh my God!' Players talk, and that's what's most important to me.

"Knowing you have your coaches' belief [is good], but my belief is that I want to have the whole facility.... It doesn't start with no miraculous play. It's a whole body of work that goes into performing on Sunday."

Newton spent the first nine seasons of his career with the Panthers after he was chosen first overall in the 2011 NFL Draft – throwing for 29,041 yards, 182 touchdowns and 108 interceptions.

The 31-year-old was named the 2015 NFL MVP after leading the Panthers to a 15-1 record and an appearance in the Super Bowl before losing to the Denver Broncos.

The Panthers made the playoffs in four of Newton's nine seasons with the team.

However, in recent years, Newton has been hindered by injuries.

Newton battled a shoulder injury in 2018, with a once-promising campaign derailed as the Panthers lost seven of their last eight games to finish 7-9.

He played only two games in 2019, losing both, with Lisfranc fracture forcing him to watch the rest of a 5-11 season from the sideline.

Not since 2001 had the Rams trumped the Patriots, suffering Super Bowl defeats in 2002 and 2019, with a minus-92 point differential and minus-eight turnover margin during that run.

But the in-form Rams (9-4) finally celebrated a victory over the Patriots in Los Angeles on Thursday.

The result snapped New England's NFL record streak of 17 consecutive seasons with double-digit wins – the Patriots fell to 6-7 with three games remaining.

Jared Goff was 16-of-25 passing for 137 yards, one touchdown and an interception, while the Rams quarterback rushed for another TD on four carries and 11 yards.

Patriots counterpart Cam Newton finished nine of 16 for 119 yards, no touchdowns and interception – a pick six – to go with seven carries and 16 yards as New England had their two-game winning run halted.

Newton was eventually withdrawn as Jarrett Stidham was introduced under center and completed five of seven passes for 27 yards.

The Rams raced out to a 10-0 lead at the end of the opening quarter and never looked back – Goff's one-yard run and a 35-yard field goal from Matt Gay setting the tone at home to the Patriots.

A 79-yard interception return via Kenny Young extended the Rams' lead early in the second period before Nick Folk converted a 29-yard field goal to ensure the Patriots entered half-time with some points on the board.

It was bleak for the Patriots as the Rams continued their dominance in the third quarter – Goff's pass to Cooper Kupp putting the game beyond reach with less than two minutes remaining in the third, the final score of the contest.

The third quarter also saw Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald sack Newton to surpass Von Miller (83.5) for the fourth-most sacks in a player's first seven seasons since individual sacks were tracked in 1982.

Meanwhile, Rams team-mate Cam Akers became the fourth youngest player in NFL history to rush for 170-plus yards in a game, per Stats Perform.

Rivera coached Newton over the course of nine years at the Carolina Panthers and they reached Super Bowl 50 together after an MVP season from the QB in 2015.

Along with Andy Dalton, Newton is among the top signal callers available on the open market and Rivera has not ruled out a reunion.

For now, though, he appears willing to proceed with Dwayne Haskins, last year's first-round pick for the Redskins, and third-year pro Kyle Allen, whom he acquired in a trade with his old team the Panthers.

"You know, the thing about Cam really is the situation," Rivera, who was appointed as Washington head coach in January, told NFL Network's Good Morning Football.

"We're in a situation where we've got two really young quarterbacks.

"One that's been with us [Allen], been in the system, understands how we want things done and the other one is a guy [Haskins] who was taken last year in the first round and shows some promise.

"I think with Cam, and I have thought about it, I mean, it's something that's run through my mind, and it's about the situation and circumstances.

"I'm not sure I would do it. I'm not sure if I wouldn't do it. It depends on circumstances."

Speculation has connected Newton with the New England Patriots, but the 30-year-old remains a free agent after his release from the Panthers last month.

The Los Angeles Chargers and Miami Dolphins both drafted first-round QBs in last week's draft, while Jameis Winston accepted a backup role with the New Orleans Saints.

Quarterback Newton was cut by the Panthers, who had previously given him permission to seek a trade, last month.

Hurney drafted Newton first overall in 2011, that selection vindicated as the dual-threat star went on to win the MVP award in the 2015 season, which ended in Super Bowl 50 defeat to the Denver Broncos.

Newton's departure, which came after injury-hit seasons in 2018 and 2019, was an acrimonious one, the 30-year-old criticising the Panthers organisation and claiming he never asked for a trade.

In a conference call with reporters on Monday, Hurney would not go into detail as to why the Panthers released Newton.

Hurney said: "In fairness, I'm not getting into the details of our decision-making process

"You have to make difficult decisions every year, and this was probably one of the most difficult. I mean, I drafted Cam.

"We all know everything he's brought to the organisation, both on and off the field, so it was extremely difficult.

"We put a lot of time, thought [and] communication into every decision we make, and as soon as we make those decisions, we act on them.

"So as soon as we did, I called Cam's representatives and told them that we were going to start calling teams about seeing if there was trade interest in Cam.

"I think it came out publicly the next day.

"When we got to a point where we thought that it didn't seem like we were going to make a trade in the near future, we thought it was in the best interest for everybody to release him."

The Panthers signed Teddy Bridgewater, who was previously with their NFC South rivals the New Orleans Saints, to be their starting quarterback in the wake of Newton's release.

"He's a very talented quarterback. I've always liked him," Hurney said of Bridgewater.

"He's got great feet in the pocket. I think he's got good vision, a quick release. He's got good accuracy.

"I think everybody you talk to, they talked about his leadership skills, and he's got familiarity with [offensive coordinator] Joe Brady's system since Joe was down there in New Orleans with him.

"He's certainly a guy who's overcome adversity and has, really if you look at it, he's won everywhere he's been, so we thought he'd be a good fit for us."

Rhule told reporters in a video teleconference the decision to move on from Newton, the face of the Panthers' franchise, had more to do with the team's familiarity and comfort with Bridgewater than the foot and shoulder injuries that limited the 2015 NFL MVP to only two starts last season. 

Newton was released on March 24, less than a week after Carolina signed Bridgewater to a three-year, $63million contract.  

"I think the world of Cam as a person, and then everyone knows the type of player he's been for many, many years," Rhule said. "[But] you have to make tough decisions about your roster and you have to do what's in the best interest of the team moving forward."  

Bridgewater's relationship with new offensive coordinator Joe Brady also played a major role in the decision. 

The two worked together with the New Orleans Saints in 2018 before Brady was hired as the passing game coordinator at LSU, where he helped projected 2020 number one overall pick Joe Burrow to a Heisman Trophy-winning campaign and the Tigers to last season's national title.  

"He knows the verbiage, he knows the concepts. You watch him on tape, he's executing the plays that we're going to run," Rhule said of Bridgewater, who won all five of his starts filling in for an injured Drew Brees in New Orleans last season. 

"So you feel really good about that. And then, throughout his career, he's someone who makes everyone around him better.  

"I think he's the perfect fit for us, for our offense, for where the team wants to go." 

With Bridgewater, 2019 third-round pick Will Grier and XFL standout P.J. Walker on the roster, quarterback appears to be among the lesser concerns for a Panthers team with an abundance of needs as it embarks on a major rebuild in Rhule's first season. 

And while the former Baylor head coach acknowledged the unlikelihood of selecting a quarterback in the draft's first round, he would not dismiss the idea should a player like Alabama's Tua Tagovailoa or Oregon's Justin Herbert be available at the team's number seven overall pick.  

"I'd say, obviously, I don't know if that's our focus right now, a first-round quarterback," he said. 

"But at the end of the day, if a guy drops in your lap that you think - at any position - you think can change your team, don't let need overtake what's the best thing long term.  

"You're not drafting for the next 12 months, you're drafting for the next four to five to six years, and hopefully on." 

Reports on Sunday claimed former Carolina Panthers quarterback Newton had agreed to terms on a one-year, incentive-laden contract with New England, a move the free agent appeared to confirm when he wrote "'#letsgoPats" in a message on his social media channels.

Prior to his MVP campaign in 2015, Newton signed a five-year extension worth $103.8m with $60m in guarantees, but his deal with the Pats is thought to max out at just $7.5m and could end up paying him the veteran minimum of $1.05m.

The 31-year-old has battled injuries in recent seasons but San Francisco 49ers cornerback Sherman is furious that a three-time Pro Bowler with an MVP campaign on his resume is being paid so little.

Quoting a post about Newton's deal with New England, Sherman wrote on Twitter: "How many former League MVPs have had to sign for the min? (Asking for a friend.) Just ridiculous.

"A transcendent talent and less talented QBs are getting 15/16m a year. Disgusting."

Newton only played in half of Carolina's 32 regular-season games over the past two seasons due to shoulder and foot injuries.

Seattle Seahawks QB Russell Wilson will earn $35m in 2020 - the most at the position - while even $7.5m would still only put nine-year veteran Newton in the region of players on their rookie deals, like the New York Jets' Sam Darnold and the Chicago Bears' Mitchell Trubisky.

Taysom Hill will earn $16m in New Orleans, even though Drew Brees is the Saints' starter at quarterback, while Jacoby Brissett, expected to be Philip Rivers' backup with the Indianapolis Colts, is set to bring home $15m.

Rodgers missed the Packers' Week 9 loss at the Kansas City Chiefs after testing positive for COVID-19 and sat out practice all this week before being cleared to play on Saturday.

That rust was evident in his comeback as the Packers (8-2) could not find the end zone until AJ Dillon rushed for the first of his two fourth-quarter touchdowns with 10:37 to play in the game. 

Rodgers ended up completing 23 of 37 passes for 292 yards with an interception, but the good news for Green Bay was that Seahawks star Russell Wilson was even less effective in his own return.

Seattle (3-6) were shut out for the first time ever with Wilson at quarterback after he went just 20-of-40 passing for 161 yards with a pair of interceptions and was sacked three times.

Wilson's 39.7 passer rating was the fourth-worst of his 166 career regular-season and playoff games following his comeback from finger surgery.

Panthers pound Cardinals in Newton's return

Just three days after signing with his former team, Cam Newton made an immediate impact for the Carolina Panthers as they handed the Arizona Cardinals just their second loss of the season with a 34-10 defeat.

Carolina drove deep into Arizona territory on their first two possessions of the game and sent Newton in to replace starter P.J. Walker at quarterback, with the Panthers favourite running for and passing for touchdowns on his first two snaps. 

Those scores put Carolina (5-5) on the path to a 23-0 half-time lead and Arizona (8-2) could not find a way back with Kyler Murray still absent due to an ankle injury. While his backup Colt McCoy played well in a Week 9 victory, he completed just 11 of 20 passes for 107 yards with no touchdowns and an interception against Carolina. 

Walker was 22-of-29 passing for 167 yards with an interception for Carolina, while Christian McCaffrey led all players with 95 rushing yards and 66 receiving yards. 

Jones beat out incumbent starter Cam Newton, who was released last week, and will be under center in Sunday's season opener against the Miami Dolphins. 

In an interview Tuesday with Boston radio station WEEI, Jones said he was "not really" caught off-guard when he learned in a team meeting that he had won the job. 

"I mean, like I always say, I prepare to be the starter and every day you come in and I got the chance to get a lot of reps, so nothing really changes," Jones said. "Just trying to be a good teammate.

"Trying to learn the plays every day and fix what I messed up on, listen to [offensive coordinator] Josh [McDaniels] and all the guys in the quarterbacks room, you just take their advice like I always have since I have been here.

"Like I said, nothing really changes. It’s exciting.”

Jones, who turned 23 on Sunday, led Alabama to the College Football Playoff national championship last season. He completed a record 77.4 per cent of his passes while throwing for 4,500 yards with 41 touchdowns and just four interceptions. 

While his resume was as impressive as any rookie's, the jump to the NFL can be daunting. Jones said Newton was a mentor to him throughout the off-season and training camp and was helpful throughout even though they were competing for a job. 

"Obviously Cam is a great guy, a great player, and hopefully he lands somewhere," Jones said. "I definitely learned a lot from him and I'm excited to keep learning from Brian [Hoyer] and everyone in the quarterback room."

Jones has been impressive throughout the pre-season, completing 36 of 52 passes (69.2 per cent) for 389 yards and a touchdown with no interceptions as the Patriots won all three of their games. 

Beginning Sunday, the stakes will be much higher, and Jones knows he will have to perform to maintain his role. That would be true anywhere in the NFL, but the pressure figures to be turned up given New England's championship pedigree. 

"It is a great opportunity and it’s something I have always wanted to do - be a NFL starting quarterback," Jones said. "But like I said, it doesn’t really mean much. The label is the label, but you’ve got to go out and produce and that’s just what it comes down to." 

Most of the big names on the open market have found a new home, though there are still a couple of high-profile free agents who could impact teams' offseason plans.

The draft has already had to be drastically altered by the coronavirus outbreak. Initially slated to take place in Las Vegas with prospects riding boats to a stage on the Bellagio fountains, the draft is now set to be a low-key event closed to the public.

But how will what happened in free agency alter how teams approach their draft selections? Here we look at the biggest dominoes to fall in free agency and how they will likely impact the draft.

The DeForest Buckner trade

One of the most surprising moves of the free agency was the San Francisco 49ers deciding to pay Arik Armstead, who enjoyed a breakout season in 2019, over fellow defensive lineman DeForest Buckner, who was promptly traded to the Indianapolis Colts for the 13th overall pick.

All-Pro Buckner has been a more consistent performer than Armstead and his departure is a blow to a 49ers defensive line that was the best in the NFL last season.

Armstead will earn an average of $17million a year with the 49ers while Buckner's contract is worth $21m a year.

It is a move that made financial sense for a Niners team in need of salary cap space, but the return they received from Indianapolis is what provokes the most intrigue.

The Niners now have two picks in the first round (13 and 31) and, with the former, they are well placed to land one of Jerry Jeudy, CeeDee Lamb and Henry Ruggs III, considered the top three wide receivers in the draft.

San Francisco made it to the Super Bowl without a true number one receiver. The prospect of the 49ers adding one to Kyle Shanahan's explosive offense is mouth-watering.

Brady to the Bucs, Rivers to the Colts

The biggest domino in free agency took some time to fall, but it did so 12 days ago when Tom Brady signed a two-year contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Brady's arrival in Tampa Bay not only saw the Buccaneers move on from former first overall pick Jameis Winston, but it also took them out of the quarterback discussion in the draft.

With Brady under center, it is unlikely the Bucs will be focused on finding their quarterback of the future with the 14th overall pick.

Having traded their first-rounder for Buckner, the Colts - who had previously been regarded as potential quarterback suitors in the draft - signed Philip Rivers to a one-year deal following his Los Angeles Chargers exit.

The respective moves for Brady and Rivers indicate the Bucs and Colts are in win-now mode. The future at quarterback can wait for both of those franchises. If the Chargers, who select sixth overall, also decide to look to another position, it could mean a slide down the board for quarterbacks not named Joe Burrow or Tua Tagovailoa.

As a result of the late-career changes of scenery for the two veterans, the likes of Justin Herbert and Jordan Love could face a long wait to learn where their pro careers will start.

Yannick Ngakoue receiving the franchise tag

The knock-on effects of this decision are still to be revealed, however, given Ngakoue's desire to move on to pastures new, the star edge rusher receiving the franchise tag appears destined to have a significant impact on how the draft plays out.

Ngakoue does not want to play under the tag and has made it clear he has no wish to sign a long-term deal with the Jaguars.

By slapping the tag on him, the Jaguars ensured they can at least get something in return for Ngakoue, rather than losing him for nothing in free agency.

Unsurprisingly for a player with 37.5 sacks in four seasons, Ngakoue is said to have drawn trade interest from several teams looking to acquire him and sign him to a long-term extension.

The starting point for negotiations for Ngakoue would likely be a first-round pick. If he is to be traded, either before or during the draft, it will likely be a deal that shakes up the opening round.

DOMINOES STILL TO FALL

Jadeveon Clowney

Durability concerns and a lack of sacks appear to have depressed the market for the 2014 first overall pick.

The Seattle Seahawks are seemingly keen to re-sign Clowney, having traded for him last offseason.

However, no agreement has been reached and, if Clowney - one of the most disruptive edge rushers in the league when at his best - signs elsewhere, that could drastically impact the draft plans of an NFC contender.

Cam Newton

Newton's slide from 2015 MVP to being released by the Carolina Panthers is one of the more dramatic falls from grace in recent NFL history.

The fact the Panthers ended up cutting Newton indicates he had little in the way of the trade market after two consecutive injury-hindered seasons.

However, when healthy Newton has proven himself a top-tier starting quarterback worthy of an opportunity with a new team.

If the Chargers, who currently appear comfortable going with Tyrod Taylor in the position, decide to give him that chance, it would take another team out of the quarterback discussion and end talk of them potentially trading up for Tagovailoa.