Cam Newton, the Panthers quarterback who draped a Gatorade towel over his head on the sideline throughout his rookie season, has landed a multi-year marketing deal with the sports-drink giant, Gatorade officials announced Wednesday.

Nothing against the perpetual sunshine, beautiful beaches and fruity drinks, but Cam Newton hopes he's not in Honolulu every year.

The Panthers met with former N.C. State and Wisconsin quarterback Russell Wilson this week and are exploring the possibility of adding a backup quarterback who would be a good fit in Rob Chudzinski's offense.

Fowler:  Let's get this out of the way: There is no award called "Best NFL Rookie Season Ever." There is no vote. It's purely a mythical title.

Tim Tebow is out of the NFL playoff mix after the Denver's 45-10 loss to New England on Saturday, but his offensive coordinator might be in the mix for the Dolphins' coaching job.

NEW ORLEANS (14-3)At SAN FRANCISCO (13-3)

Fans hoping for the Panthers to make a big splash in free agency might want to forget about those Mario Williams and Cortland Finnegan fantasies.

Panthers offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski interviewed for the Jacksonville Jaguars' head coaching vacancy Thursday, according to a league source with knowledge of the situation.

Panthers offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski interviewed for the Jacksonville Jaguars' head coaching vacancy Thursday, according to a league source with knowledge of the situation.

Sorensen:  The worst part of 2010, says Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson, was not his team's NFL worst 2-14 record.

Sorensen:  The Carolina Panthers walked out of Bank of America Stadium late Monday morning, and every player I talked to was confident they had the leadership and talent to be something in 2012.

The Jacksonville Jaguars are looking for an offensive-minded head coach, and the man who turned around the Carolina Panthers' offense is on the list.