QB Cam Newton wants to be with 'winning' team, play at 'high level'

Quarterback Cam Newton did not enjoy the type of Carolina Panthers homecoming either he or the team likely envisioned during the fall months. Newton lost all five of his starts, looked nothing like the star who earned NFL Most Valuable Player honors for the 2015 season and was ultimately benched in favor of former Carolina starter Sam Darnold, who couldn't end the team's losing streak or prevent the club from finishing the campaign at a woeful 5-12. 

Newton is set to hit free agency when the new NFL year opens in March and made it clear Monday he isn't considering walking away from the game.

"I am healthy,'' the 32-year-old explained, according to David Newton of ESPN. "I know the expectations I have for myself. But selfishly, the question can kind of be directed at, 'Do you think I can still play?' Yes. I still do think I can play. At a high level.''

Newton added he's open to beginning the exhibition portion of the calendar as a backup but insisted he's "not coming back for no 5-12." 

"I can tell you that now. If it's about winning, I'm with it. If it's not, I won't hitch my wagon to it," Newton said. 

Per ESPN stats, Newton ended the season with 69 completions on 126 attempts (54.8%) for 684 passing yards, four touchdowns, five interceptions, a 64.4 passer rating and 26.7 total QBR. It's unknown if the Panthers are open to bringing him back and/or if he'd re-sign with the organization.