Panthers sign Cam Newton | Fantasy Reaction

With Sam Darnold struggling and now hurt, the Carolina Panthers are turning to a familiar face, bringing in former Panthers starter Cam Newton, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

The 32-year-old Newton spent his first nine years with the Panthers, making three Pro Bowls and the 2015 MVP and leading the team to Super Bowl 50. He landed in New England and player 15 games for the Patriots in 2020, throwing 8 touchdowns against 10 interceptions and running for 12 scores, ultimately finishing as fantasy’s QB16. The Patriots released Newton in the preseason after rookie first-rounder Mac Jones seized the starting job.

Carolina traded for Darnold, formerly of the Jets, this offseason. Darnold started hot, sitting as QB12 through Week 3, but has fallen apart lately – in Weeks 5-9, Darnold averaged 159.4 passing yards per game and totaled 2 touchdowns against 8 interceptions as the Panthers went 1-4. He reportedly suffered a fractured scapula in Week 9 and will land on injured reserve, leaving the Panthers with Phillip Walker and Matt Barkley at the quarterback position.

Panthers Bring Back Cam Newton | Fantasy Reaction

Fantasy impact: Newton wasn’t any great shakes as a passer in 2020, entering Week 17 with only five TD passes on the season before a 3-TD final game helped his overall numbers look slightly better. But his rushing ability (592 yards, 12 TDs) will always keep him fantasy relevant, even if 12 touchdowns might be too much to expect. 

With Darnold falling flat and neither Walker nor Barkley likely to be an every-week option, Newton could rise back to the starting role quickly – maybe as soon as Week 11. He can’t be started in fantasy until he shows something, but anyone with his rushing upside should absolutely be rostered in deeper leagues, and there’s an argument to stash him in leagues of any size.

As for what this means for the Panthers’ skill players … Christian McCaffrey and DJ Moore aren’t likely to hit their ceilings with Newton around (Newton will take goal-line work from McCaffrey and isn’t a good enough passer anymore for Moore’s upside), but then Walker, Barkley and Darnold weren’t likely to do that either. However you valued McCaffrey or Moore Monday or a week ago is how you should value them now. – Daniel Kelley