Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers have reached an agreement to welcome back the franchise’s best player.   

Newton, who led the Panthers to the Super Bowl during his 2015 MVP season, signed with the team on Thursday.

The deal is worth up to $10 million for the remainder of the season, including $4.5 million guaranteed and a $1.5 million roster bonus. Newton last played for the Panthers in 2019, but he was released after the season after battling with shoulder and foot injuries.  

Related: Cam Newton Feels Like ‘Fish Out of Water’ as Free Agent 

The Hall of Fame-caliber player was selected first overall in the 2011 draft by Carolina. He spent one season as the starter with the New England Patriots, but he was released the following offseason as the Patriots chose to hand over the franchise to rookie quarterback Mac Jones.  

Panthers starting quarterback Sam Donald suffered a shoulder injury on Sunday, knocking him out for up to six weeks.  

Head coach Matt Rhule said signing Newton is a message to win now.  

“My job is to try to win right now,” Rhule said. “Our fans aren’t paying money to watch us win in two years. At the same time, you’re trying to build a Super Bowl-caliber team. So it’s a balancing act of doing what’s right long term and trying to win at the same time. Many times those are the same thing.”  

Newton spent nine seasons in Carolina and is the franchise’s leading passer. He has thrown for 29,041 yards and 82 touchdowns. He also rushed for 58. Newton ranks third in Panthers’ history with 4,806 rushing yards. 

Related: Panthers Owner Says Cam Newton’s Future Depends on Health