Anonymous GM gives Cam Newton another chip on his shoulder

An anonymous NFL general manager has given former Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton another chip on his shoulder.

Former Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton is still looking for a new home after being released by the organization this offseason. While there are plenty of mitigating factors behind why he hasn’t found another team.

A recent report from Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated spoke anonymously to an NFL general manager, who claimed that the 2015 NFL MVP is rapidly declining if his recent film is any indication.

"“Not saying he can’t bounce back. But the decline is evident.”"

This might be a bold statement. But if it is one that is shared by other GMs across the league then it represents a real problem for Newton. There is no denying the substantial impact he had on the Carolina Panthers during his time with the organization. However, he has suffered serious shoulder and foot injuries over the last two seasons that do draw up some red flags.

How this was handled by the Panthers came in for some severe criticism from ex-player Mike Tolbert this week. And this is another stain on a situation that has become the hottest free-agent dilemma remaining in the NFL.

Is former Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton on the decline?

Newton threw for 3,395 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions when he last saw the field for a considerable period of time in 2018. This was despite a niggling shoulder problem hampering him for the majority of the campaign.

It is hard to judge Newton’s contribution last season due to his foot injury that eventually ended with a place on the injured reserve list. He has received the all-clear and provides an intriguing option for any team if the player is firing on all cylinders from the word go.

Only time will tell as to whether Newton is actually declining. He has suffered some real injury problems and taken some big hits thanks to his style of play throughout his career. However, the player is coming off some good rest to rehabilitate and get healthy. So this could be something that works in his favor.

It remains highly that a team is going to offer a deal to Newton until they are able to conduct their own independent medical evaluation. The current climate prevents this. And organizations will be wary of giving the signal-caller a contract until they are 100 percent sure his health is not going to become a problem.

The longer it wears on, the more people are going to question why Newton isn’t back in the NFL. All he can do is be patient, continue to improve physically, and wait for a call. The player’s relaxed demeanor over the years is something that will also probably assist him during this uncertain time.

It is clear that the wound is still fresh regarding Newton’s release by the Carolina Panthers. The timing was terrible from the player’s perspective. And realistically it should have been done the moment Teddy Bridgewater signed his three-year, $63 million deal.

Judging by what one has seen from Newton over the last two seasons. It is hard to gauge whether he is declining. This statement from the anonymous GM is another chip he can add to his shoulder ahead of a return to the league.