4 teams who’d benefit from Cam Newton’s influence in 2022
By Dean Jones
Pittsburgh Steelers
A new era dawns on the Pittsburgh Steelers after quarterback Ben Roethlisberger announced his retirement. This is something that’s been on the cards for a while thanks to the veteran’s regression, which leaves head coach Mike Tomlin without a player he’s depended on heavily throughout their time together.
Tomlin will have been preparing for this eventuality. He seemed to be taking a very keen interest in Liberty quarterback Malik Willis throughout Senior Bowl practice week, although it might need a bold move up the board to secure his services.
Even if Willis or someone else arrives in Pittsburgh, no prospect coming from the college ranks this year has the tools to start right away. That’s why bringing someone like Cam Newton on board to bridge the transition could be a shrewd bit of business.
The Steelers are a storied franchise and Tomlin commands the highest respect imaginable in league circles. Newton would no doubt jump at this opportunity to perhaps start for one more season and provide someone like Willis with a strong role model to learn from before stepping into a starting role.
Pittsburgh has Mason Rudolph, who isn’t exactly the highest-caliber based on what we’ve seen throughout his career. The free-agent pool doesn’t appear to be the strongest, so unless the Steelers make a bold move in the trade market, this could be a viable solution in the short term.