Carolina Panthers: Shannon Sharpe expects big things from Cam Newton

Pro Football Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe is expecting big things from former Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton after he signed for the New England Patriots.

After almost three months of waiting for an opportunity, Cam Newton finally found a new home following his release by the Carolina Panthers. The 2015 NFL MVP signed a one-year deal with the New England Patriots, who were the only team to make a formal offer to the quarterback.

This appears to be a win-win situation for both parties. The Patriots get a gifted signal-caller on the cheap. And the former Carolina Panthers icon gets a realistic chance of coming in and starting right away.

Newton will also be playing with the biggest chip on his shoulder. He has been vocal in his belief that the Panthers gave up on him. And this is something that will also work in New England’s favor providing the player’s injury troubles are behind him.

Former NFL standout and Pro Football Hall of Fame tight end Shannon Sharpe, who stated on FOX Sports debate show Undisputed that he is confident that Newton can secure the starting position once he gets up to speed.

"“I am really not surprised. The biggest thing with the pandemic was not being able to get physically there and let the Patriots’ doctors see just how healthy is the should and the foot. That was the biggest thing with Cam. You know the talent is there, but how healthy is he after several years of injury problems. He died on the cross for the Carolina Panthers’ cause. And people don’t care how you get out there, once they see that Newton No. 1 on the back of his jersey, they expect Superman plays.“I think this works out really well for both sides. It’s hard to see a scenario that Cam doesn’t beat out Jarrett Stidham for this job once he gets up to speed. This gives him an opportunity and he is motivated. Trust me, I know what the feeling is like, and you can ask Peyton Manning what it feels like to be released. I wanted to show I had something left. And his talented and ability will make him the starter.”"

Could former Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton be an instant success in New England?

Much will depend on how much information Newton can accumulate in a short space of time before the season gets underway. The prospect of a shortened preseason is another complication. But he looks back to his best physically if the player’s social media posts are any indication.

Bill Belichick might have thought that Jarrett Stidham could lead them going forward. But the need to keep the team competitive in the wake of Tom Brady’s departure to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, coupled with Newton’s availability, proved too tempting in the end.

This also gives Newton the platform to prove that the Carolina Panthers were hasty in parting ways with their former franchise player. Some felt the signal-caller should have been given another chance. But there no telling just what complications could have emerged from the team gambling on his fitness only for the No. 1 pick in 2011 to miss more time. And it was a risk they obviously were not willing to take.

It’s hard to root against Newton given what he brought to the Panthers. New England isn’t exactly the most likable organization in the NFL. But having the legendary figure under center will at least give them a renewed sense of creditability.