Cam Newton
Although the Carolina Panthers and quarterback Cam Newton parted ways in messy circumstances this offseason. There is little disputing the fact that the player deserves a spot on this list.
The No. 1 overall pick out of Auburn was everything the Panthers expected and more. He changed the landscape of the organization with a style of play that has not been seen in the NFL before or since.
Newton possessed the sort of electrifying skill set that made him a must-watch player from the outset. This came with a deserved NFL MVP Award in 2015 as he led the team to a Super Bowl appearance.
The Panthers fell short in the showcase, something Newton took a lot of heat for despite dragging the team to an NFC Championship triumph. It was a sign of the player’s character that continued to set the standard for dual-threat signal-callers in the league before injuries slowly took their toll.
Things are still pretty heated between the Panthers, Newton, and a fanbase that is left wondering why the new regime did not give him a chance to get back to his old self. But once the dust settles he will be remembered as a generational talent that almost single-handedly put Carolina on the map.
If Newton returns to full health in 2020, then another NFL team is going to have a real player on their hands. He will also have the added motivation of being released by a franchise that he called home for almost a decade, so providing he is healthy and in the right situation then there is every chance he can still finish his standout career on a high.