Cam Newton is returning to the Carolina Panthers after finding himself as a free agent before the start of the 2021 season, and head coach Matt Rhule has high expectations on the team's former star quarterback.

While some might believe that the signing of Newton is just a publicity move to generate fan interest amid another difficult season, Rhule rejected those ideas and emphasized they brought Newton back with winning as their top priority.

“We're not bringing him here to sell season tickets, we're bringing him here to win,” the Panthers tactician said, per PFF.

The Panthers officially signed Cam Newton on Thursday after Sam Darnold's shoulder injury that will sideline the signal-caller for about four to six weeks.

Now, Newton has a chance to replicate his success with the team where it all started. For those not in the know, the Panthers drafted Newton first overall in 2015 and had some success with him as quarterback. The 32-year-old even won the 2015 NFL MVP with Carolina as he led them to Super BVowl 50–despite eventually losing to the Denver Bronco.

Newton hasn't been the same since leaving Carolina, with his stint with the New England Patriots being quite forgettable to say the least. He was left unsigned after the Patriots cut him before the 2021 campaign in favor of rookie Mac Jones.

With the Panthers at 4-5 and at the bottom of the NFC South, though, it's certainly great to hear that Matt Rhule and Co. are focused on winning with Newton under center.