Panthers not closing door on Newton return; QB searching for 'best fit'

The Carolina Panthers aren't closing the door on a Cam Newton return as the team aims to add to its quarterback room.

"I love Cam Newton," head coach Matt Rhule said Tuesday, according to ESPN's David Newton. "He's an amazing leader. He's an amazing football player. Everything we do has to be right for the organization, right for him."

Rhule has kept in touch with the veteran passer in recent months, Newton adds. General manager Scott Fitterer also said last week that the signal-caller returning remains on the table, though it would have to be on the right terms.

The Panthers may not be the only team eyeing Newton. The 32-year-old said Tuesday that other teams are circling him.

"I have teams that are interested in signing me," Newton said in a text to ESPN's Adam Schefter. "I am waiting on the best fit as it pertains to winning a championship and getting a fair chance to play."

Newton returned to the Panthers for an eight-game stretch last season but struggled to make a lasting impression. He was 0-5 as a starter and threw four touchdowns to five interceptions.

Sam Darnold is currently penciled in as the starter heading into the draft, though Rhule said he wants to bring in another quarterback, per Newton. Carolina holds the No. 6 pick in the draft, but Rhule noted the team isn't guaranteed to select a quarterback there.

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