If Washington wants Cam Newton, keep Marty Hurney out of it
By Dean Jones
Cam Newton is set to be a free agent once again this offseason, but would he consider reuniting with his former head coach and general manager?
Another uncertain offseason period awaits former Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton. The iconic signal-caller was ruthlessly released with little in the way of starting options elsewhere late in the 2020 free agency period – a decision that is still surrounded by plenty of bitterness – and although he did get a No. 1 gig with the New England Patriots, it appears unlikely Bill Belichick is going to keep him around for a second year.
This would leave the 2015 NFL MVP looking for a new home once again. Newton showed enough to prove he is still capable physically in the right fit. But a distinct lack of options and quality in the passing game made his time in New England extremely difficult.
When one looks at possible free-agent options for Newton, then one organization immediately jumps out.
There is a clear Carolina Panthers connection building within the NFC East outfit. Ron Rivera took over last year and did remarkably well to not only get Washington to an unlikely divisional title and a playoff berth. But the fact he was battling against and eventually beating cancer throughout the campaign makes this accomplishment even more impressive.
When asked by Ethan Cadeaux of NBC Sports Washington about the prospect of linking up once again with Newton, Rivera stated that nothing is off the table at this juncture.
"“I think the biggest thing we can say, guys, is that we’re exploring all of our options. Nothing is off the table. Again, as we go through this, we’re going to do what we believe is best for us.”"
This makes a ton of sense, of that there is little doubt.
But could the recent hiring of Marty Hurney change the way Newton looks at this particular scenario?