Did Cam Newton hint in Instagram comment at potential Panthers departure?

Cam Newton posted a comment on the Carolina Panthers’ Instagram account Tuesday to talk about being placed on injured reserve, and his comment hinted at a potential departure.

Newton has been out since re-injuring his foot in a Week 2 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and has not played since. He said he was going to wait until he was healed before returning, but the recovery was going slowly, leading to Tuesday’s decision.

The Panthers posted news of Newton being placed on IR to their Instagram account, and the quarterback commented on the post.

From Cam Newton on Instagram a short while ago. pic.twitter.com/vhxNIW1mLK

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) November 5, 2019

In his weird font style, Newton said “Charlotte & Panthers will forever be in my heart!! I will work my tail off to be stronger, faster, smarter and accurater (SIC) for you guys!! until then I will continue to support the hell out of the Panthers and for Kyle Allen & Will Grier.”

The comment from Cam was nice and thoughtful, although him saying “forever be in my heart” was notable. Why would Newton say “forever” unless he is thinking about a departure? Newton has one year left on his contract with the Panthers at a $21.1 million cap hit. The Panthers can save $19.1 million against the cap by cutting him. Even one Panthers writer thinks this is the beginning of the end of Newton’s time with the team.”

“Forever be in my heart” sounds more like a farewell note than a “see you soon.”

Newton was the No. 1 overall pick by the Panthers in 2011 and has never played for another NFL team. There have been questions about whether he would even get his starting job back if he did return this season. That’s now a moot point.