Carolina Panthers: Cam Newton not willing to accept backup role

Former Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton is not looking to go and be a backup anywhere, according to a recent report.

Much has been made about the fact that former Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton has not yet found a new home. According to a recent report, it might be all his own doing.

The 2015 NFL Most Valuable Player is one of the hottest names on the free-agent market after he was released by the Panthers earlier this offseason. He is expected to return to full health in 2020 after a frustrating final two seasons in Carolina.

While Newton might have plenty more to prove following his departure from the franchise that drafted him No. 1 overall out of Auburn in 2011. It doesn’t appear he is willing to accept a lesser role given the tools at his disposal, according to Joe Person of The Athletic.

The reporter outlined that Newton is looking to prove his fitness when medical examiners are able to visit him once social distancing measures relating to the coronavirus pandemic are relaxed. The quarterback might even wait until a team inevitably suffers injury concerns sometime in 2020.

Speaking on the issue, Person tweeted the following.

"Had this discussion w/ someone last week: No way Cam Newton signs w/ anyone as a backup. Continue to rehab and wait for travel restrictions to lift so teams can examine him. Worst case: He waits until a starter gets hurt."

While this might sound like a smart move on Newton’s part. It is a significant gamble given his lack of production and time on the field over the last two years.

There is no doubt the player still has something to offer, providing he comes back with satisfactory checks regarding his health. Dual-threat guys such as Newton normally remain in high demand. But the longer he waits for a new franchise, the less chance he will have of securing success.

Newton does not lack for confidence in his own ability, which is probably the key component regarding this decision. A ‘wait and see’ approach might also land him on a contender rather than settling for a backup job with a franchise going nowhere fast.