Carolina Panthers: Is Newton the offseason’s biggest loser?

The Carolina Panthers made the move to release star quarterback Cam Newton this offseason, which has left the player with a losing hand this offseason.

It has been an offseason to forget regarding former Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton so far. The former No. 1 overall pick was released by the franchise amidst peculiar timing to end a glittering spell with the organization.

The 2015 NFL MVP is still looking for a new home after seeing his chances of securing a starting spot elsewhere diminished due to the timeframe of his departure from Carolina. While it is now reported Newton is now willing to accept a backup role, it remains to be seen as to what team is willing to have such a high-profile player sitting on the sidelines.

Newton’s plight was recently highlighted by ESPN’s staff writer Bill Barnwell, who named the player one of the biggest losers of the NFL offseason in his recent article.

Speaking on his decision to include the dual-threat weapon, Barnwell wrote:

"“Things haven’t worked out for the former league MVP, who might have hoped to play out the final year of his deal with the Panthers while earning $19.1 million. Newton was instead cut, and the coronavirus pandemic has prevented him from finding a new team. He hasn’t been able to conduct a public workout, though he has posted videos on Instagram that show him going through drills. In the meantime, the starting jobs and most of the prime backup jobs have been filled.“There are still at least seven teams that should be looking for a backup quarterback, including the aforementioned Denver Broncos and Jacksonville Jaguars, who don’t seem to want to challenge their young starters. The Arizona Cardinals, Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks all need a veteran backup, but there’s little chance of Newton playing meaningful snaps for those teams in 2020.”"

Newton will not be rushing into any decision regarding his future. This is due to not only the player himself wanting to find the right fit. But it also has plenty to do with the fact that NFL teams will want to do their own medical evaluation on a veteran that has suffered shoulder and foot injuries over the last two seasons.

When Newton is at the top of his game, then there is little doubting his credentials. He is still young enough to become a viable long-term starter in the league if presented with an opportunity. But the red flags surrounding his recent ability to stay healthy leaves his short-term status in question.

The quarterback’s situation will probably only be resolved once social distancing measures relating to the coronavirus pandemic are relaxed. Although Newton’s predicament appears bleak at the present time. The player’s talent should still see him end his career on a high, even though that will not be with the Carolina Panthers.