Why the Los Angeles Chargers passed on Cam Newton
By Dean Jones
Why hasn’t Newton signed with another team?
Bringing someone in like former Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton is going to come with its own set of problems. Having such a high-profile star as a backup for any NFL team could put some huge pressure on their current starting option and lead to further complications down the line.
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There is nothing to suggest Newton is a problem within a locker room. On the contrary, despite the odds moments of petulance during hit time with the Panthers, the player emerged as one of the team’s leaders and was a hugely motivational presence.
That being said, Newton has now been without a job for two months following his release. This seems especially odd given the talent he has and the promise of the player coming back to full health by the time competitive action gets back underway.
This is not your average NFL offseason. The coronavirus pandemic has made things especially difficult and Newton is not exempt from its impact.
Once the social distancing measures are restricted and teams are able to hold visits with Newton to discuss his health, it shouldn’t be too much longer after that he finds a new home. There is an underlying issue regarding his willingness to accept a backup role. But this is something he reportedly wants to do.
At the very least, this will open up more opportunities. But having him on a roster might do more harm than good if a team has invested heavily in a No. 1 option.
That was the case with the Carolina Panthers, who signed Teddy Bridgewater to lead them through a period of transition. Having Newton playing second fiddle on the roster behind the former New Orleans Saint would have been unfathomable for a player that rose the franchise back to prominence.
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Having an interest in Newton is something the majority of teams will look into. But it remains to be seen who is going to commit and give the player another chance.