Cam Newton
FILE - In this Dec. 29, 2019, file photo, New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick watches from the sideline during the first half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins in Foxborough, Mass. Belichick is being coy about his expectations for the quarterback position as his teams prepares for the start of training camp. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola, File)
Belichick mum on plans for QB position as camp nears

By Kyle Hightower Jul. 31, 2020 06:50 PM EDT

FILE - In this Oct. 10, 2019, file photo, New England Patriots linebacker Dont'a Hightower watches from the sideline during the second half of an NFL football game against the New York Giants in Foxborough, Mass. A person familiar with the situation says Hightower has decided to opt out of the 2020 season. Hightower’s decision was made out of concern for the health of his fiancée and child, who was born earlier this month, the person said. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola, File)
Pats face challenges as starters Hightower, Chung opt out

By Kyle Hightower Jul. 28, 2020 11:27 AM EDT

FILE - In this Aug. 25, 2019, file photo, Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Tyrod Taylor throws the ball downfield against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half of an NFL preseason football game in Carson. Philip Rivers started 224 consecutive regular games for the Chargers before leaving to sign with Indianapolis as a free agent. The Chargers now will turn to veteran Tyrod Taylor or first-round rookie Justin Herbert to take over for the reliable Rivers. (AP Photo/Alex Gallardo, File)
NFL teams seek to replace stars like Brady, Hopkins, Yanda

By Josh Dubow Jul. 22, 2020 12:58 PM EDT

Panthers turn to Rhule, Bridgewater as part of rebuild

By The Associated Press Jul. 20, 2020 01:33 PM EDT
CAROLINA PANTHERS (5-11) CAMP SITE: Charlotte, North Carolina LAST YEAR: Panthers floundered following 5-3 start,...

FILE - In this Dec. 8, 2019, file photo, Cleveland Browns center JC Tretter walks off the field after an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals in Cleveland. NFLPA president JC Tretter warned players they have to "fight for necessary COVID-19 protections" and Malcolm Jenkins said "football is nonessential." With training camp less than a month away, some players are speaking out about concerns over playing football during a pandemic while others are ignoring medical advice and holding workouts with teammates. (AP Photo/David Richard, File)
NFL players raise concerns on playing, others ignore advice

By Rob Maaddi Jul. 01, 2020 04:12 PM EDT

FILE - In this Sept. 8, 2016, file photo, Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) celebrates a touchdown pass against the Denver Broncos during the first half of an NFL football game, in Denver. The New England Patriots have reached an agreement with free-agent quarterback Cam Newton, bringing in the 2015 NFL Most Valuable Player to help the team move on from three-time MVP Tom Brady, a person with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press. The one-year deal is worth up to $7.5 million with incentives, the person said, speaking on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss it publicly. (AP Photo/Joe Mahoney)
Patriots hope winning still in fashion for new QB Newton

By Jimmy Golen Jun. 29, 2020 07:19 PM EDT

FILE - In this Sept. 8, 2016, file photo, Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) celebrates a touchdown pass against the Denver Broncos during the first half of an NFL football game, in Denver. The New England Patriots have reached an agreement with free-agent quarterback Cam Newton, bringing in the 2015 NFL Most Valuable Player to help the team move on from three-time MVP Tom Brady, a person with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press. The one-year deal is worth up to $7.5 million with incentives, the person said, speaking on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss it publicly. (AP Photo/Joe Mahoney)
Panthers-Broncos 9/8/2016

Jun. 29, 2020 03:26 PM EDT

FILE - In this Sept. 12, 2019, file photo, Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton warms up prior to the team's NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Charlotte, N.C. The New England Patriots have reached an agreement with free-agent quarterback Newton, bringing in the 2015 NFL Most Valuable Player to help the team move on from three-time MVP Tom Brady, a person with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn, File)
AP source: Patriots sign QB Cam Newton to replace Tom Brady

By Jimmy Golen Jun. 28, 2020 09:14 PM EDT

FILE - In this Nov. 16, 2019, file photo, free agent quarterback Colin Kaepernick arrives for a workout for NFL football scouts and media in Riverdale, Ga. Kaepernick has been a leader in the fight for social justice by people of color not just in the football world or the sports world. Recent developments have raised his profile and, more significantly, reminded many of the sacrifices he has made while protesting social injustice and police brutality.(AP Photo/Todd Kirkland, File)
Analysis: Kaepernick has stronger platform outside football

By Barry Wilner Jun. 09, 2020 04:45 PM EDT

FILE - In this Jan. 8, 2020, file photo, Carolina Panthers NFL football team head coach Matt Rhule talks to the media during a news conference at the teams practice facility in Charlotte, N.C. The transition from being a head coach in college to the NFL is never easy. But it's even more difficult this year for Panthers coach Matt Rhule, who is trying to build a team and some sense of chemistry virtually due to the coronavirus pandemic. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn, File)
Rhule's transition from Baylor to NFL anything but normal

By Steve Reed Jun. 03, 2020 02:29 PM EDT

FILE - In this Jan. 22, 2020, file photo, New Orleans Saints guard Larry Warford runs during NFL football NFC Pro Bowl practice in Kissimmee, Fla. After being selected for the last three Pro Bowls, Warford was cut by New Orleans earlier this month. He immediately became the most enticing offensive lineman on the market, and will likely find a starting spot somewhere. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara, File)
Some big names remain unsigned late in NFL's odd offseason

By Dennis Waszak Jr. May. 26, 2020 01:23 PM EDT

FILE - In this Jan. 13, 2020, file photo, LSU quarterback Joe Burrow throws a pass against Clemson during the second half of the NCAA College Football Playoff national championship game in New Orleans. No. 1 overall pick Burrow and the rest of the rookie class will begin preparing for their first seasons in the NFL at home instead of at minicamps and team facilities this month. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert, File)
Virtual offseason impacts rookies, teams preparing for 2020

By Josh Dubow May. 01, 2020 12:47 PM EDT

En esta foto de archivo del 27 de octubre de 2019, el quarterback Jameis Winston de los Buccaneers de Tampa Bay se prepara para lanzar un pase durante un juego contra los Titans de Tennessee. El 28 de abril del 2020 firmó un año con los Saints de Nueva Orleans y será suplente de Drew Brees, después de que los Buccaneers permitieron que el quarterback entrara a la agencia libre restringida. (AP Foto/James Kenney, archivo)
Winston: Pursuit of Saints back-up role a sign of maturity

By Brett Martel Apr. 29, 2020 06:03 PM EDT

FILE - In this Jan. 26, 2020, file photo, NFC quarterback Drew Brees, of the New Orleans Saints, (9) looks to pass during the first half of the NFL Pro Bowl football game in Orlando, Fla. Atlanta Falcons coach Dan Quinn says the NFC South “is turning into Quarterback South.” The priority to “bring it” on defense was evident in the NFL draft. (AP Photo/John Raoux, File)
Brees, Brady give 'Quarterback South' top 2 all-time passers

By Charles Odum Apr. 29, 2020 12:19 PM EDT

AP Sportlight

By The Associated Press Apr. 27, 2020 10:13 AM EDT
April 28 1966 — Boston edges the Los Angeles Lakers 95-93 in Game 7, giving the Celtics and coach Red Auerbach eight straight NBA titles....

FILE - In this Sunday, Jan. 5, 2020, file photo, New Orleans Saints quarterback Taysom Hill (7) fends off Minnesota Vikings free safety Harrison Smith (22) on a long carry in the second half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game in New Orleans. The Saints have announced that dynamic reserve QB and utility player Taysom Hill has a new two year contract. (AP Photo/Brett Duke, File)
AP source: Saints, Winston in 'advanced' negotiations

By Brett Martel Apr. 26, 2020 02:31 PM EDT

FILE - In this Feb. 27, 2020, file photo, Auburn defensive lineman Derrick Brown listens during a press conference at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis. Brown is a likely first-round pick in the NFL draft Thursday, April 23, 2020. (AP Photo/AJ Mast, File)
Panthers choose Brown over Simmons with No. 7 overall pick

By Steve Reed Apr. 23, 2020 09:26 PM EDT

AP Sportlight

By The Associated Press Apr. 23, 2020 11:04 AM EDT
April 25 1950 — Charles Cooper, an All-American from Duquesne playing with the Harlem Globetrotters, becomes the first black to be picked...

FILE - In this Feb. 27, 2020, file photo, Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa watches a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis. Tagovailoa is a likely first round pick in the NFL Draft Thursday, April 23, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File)
Burrow to join exclusive NFL company if LSU QB is top pick

By The Associated Press Apr. 23, 2020 10:00 AM EDT

FILE - In this Feb. 25, 2020, file photo, Denver Broncos president of football operations and general manager John Elway speaks during a press conference at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis. Elway has selected a defensive player with his first draft pick six times in his nine drafts. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy, File)
John Elway's name is all over Broncos' long draft history

By Arnie Stapleton Apr. 21, 2020 04:06 PM EDT