The options for Cam Newton may have become a bit clearer following the 2020 NFL Draft, but what represents the best fit for the former Carolina Panther?
Former Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton is still looking for a new home after his release earlier this offseason.
The 2015 NFL Most Valuable Player was released by the Panthers earlier this offseason and is still trying to find a new home. His options may have become clearer after the draft.
There is plenty to suggest Newton still has plenty to offer a franchise going forward. He looks to be on course to make a full recovery from a foot injury that blighted his final two seasons with the Panthers.
If Newton can show any interested NFL team that he has the potential to be the player that took the league by storm, then a new team to call his own may come around quickly. There is no doubting the player’s productivity when he is at the top of his game.
Although his passing accuracy has not been what was expected during his career. Newton has a rare athleticism that ensures every defense has to be on their toes on any given down.
Given the timing of his release, Newton’s chances of walking into a starting position with another team appear slim. Therefore, it will be up to the quarterback to distinguish the teams that he might have a good opportunity to fill a starting void during the season if their current No. 1 does not pan out as expected.
Newton comes in 2020 with a real chip on his shoulder. He has plenty of questions to answer and the player will have to prove he is capable of leading another franchise after a frustrating final two seasons in Carolina.
There are plenty of options available. But which teams would benefit most by acquiring Newton?
New York Giants
The New York Giants have done everything they can to give quarterback Daniel Jones the best possible chance of succeeding next season. The second-year gunslinger showed glimpses of promise during his rookie campaign. But his decision-making was often poor, and he seemed to get flustered in the pocket under pressure.
They boosted their offensive line considerably by drafting Georgia’s formidable tackle Andrew Thomas with the No. 4 pick. Slotting him opposite Nate Solder gives the Giants two potential bookends that can give Jones more time to go through his progressions.
The Giants also possess some outstanding weapons on offense. Stud running back Saquon Barkley remains the focal point. But the likes of Dion Lewis, Golden Tate, Sterling Shepard, and tight end Evan Engram are also expected to feature heavily.
This points in a positive direction for Jones to take a leap forward in his sophomore. If he shows a regression in any way, then Colt McCoy is their current backup and he has been inconsistent at best during his career.
Putting Cam Newton on the Giants would give their quarterback position a sense of aura. Having such a well-respected figure behind him might also install a sense of urgency into Jones.
The jury is still out on the former Duke prospect and although his career is still in its infancy, one suspects 2020 is going to be pivotal for his long-term prospects.
New England Patriots
More than a few eyebrows were raised when the New England Patriots did not select a quarterback in the 2020 NFL Draft. This leaves the franchise desperately short of quality and this must be addressed if they stand any chance of extending their all-conquering reign on the AFC East.
Going into the season with Jarrett Stidham and Brian Hoyer seems unfathomable. A period of transition was always expected once the Bill Belichick and Tom Brady partnership went its separate ways. But the head coach will not want to have a losing season in the absence of his long-standing quarterback.
Newton does not appear to be a great fit for the Patriots on paper. But he could be the dynamic threat under center they have been sorely lacking. Brady’s age and lack of mobility made things difficult last season. This was not helped by the lack of receiving quality but having someone like the former Carolina Panther who can get out of the pocket and make things happen would be hugely beneficial.
Belichick is renowned for his stubbornness. If someone tells him the Patriots cannot win with the current quarterback depth, he is going to do all he can to prove the doubters wrong.
It’s hard to argue with this philosophy given the unrivaled amount Belichick has achieved during his career. However, Newton is a wildcard option for the Patriots and one that warrants serious consideration due to their current predicament.
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jacksonville Jaguars cut their losses on Nick Foles after just one season and appear to have placed their faith in second-year quarterback Gardner Minshew. This came after the new No. 1 showed some signs of promise during his rookie campaign.
He suffered his fair share of struggles too, so it remains to be seen whether Minshew is going to make the most of this opportunity. The franchise does not boast any eye-catching depth at the position, which makes Newton an intriguing option.
Running back Leonard Fournette has also made a public pitch for the Jaguars to acquire Newton on a short-term deal. Should he end up on the roster then there is plenty to work with from an offensive standpoint.
In Fournette they have a stud back who is capable of taking the pressure off whoever is under center. Their offensive line should take another leap forward and the Jaguars now have a prolific pass-catching tight end in Tyler Eifert providing he can stay healthy.
Add to that the wide receiver of Dede Westbrook and DJ Chark Jr. and there is a significant amount of tools at Minshew’s disposal. The organization has doubled down on the former Washington State standout. But they would be wise to bring in a veteran like Newton to give them a different dimension if things don’t work out regarding the 2019 sixth-round pick.