Has Cam Newton put the Carolina Panthers on notice?
By Dean Jones
Cam Newton’s recent comments suggest offers are on the table
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Cam Newton’s future, the quarterback seems to be taking everything with his customary coolness and relaxed approach. He’s been spending time with his 7-on-7 youth program featuring some of the brightest young stars in the country and is also enhancing his media production company during a busy offseason period so far.
Almost as soon as Carolina Panthers head coach Matt Rhule made his statement about Newton at the NFL owner’s meeting in Florida, ESPN’s insider Adam Schefter released details of a text received from the Auburn product stating that teams are interested, but the signal-caller is willing to wait for the right fit before confirming anything one way or another.
"“I have teams that are interested in signing me. I am waiting on the best fit as it pertains to winning a championship and getting a fair chance to play.”"
When one looks across the league, most top contenders have their quarterback starters locked up. Whether Newton wants to be a backup is debatable, although he said that it is something he’d potentially contemplate providing that it was for an organization with legitimate Super Bowl chances in 2022.
Getting a fair chance to play after how the last two seasons have gone is something else that is clearly important to Newton. He’s probably heard all the talk about being finished and way past the peak of his powers – something that should provide extra motivation before riding off into the sunset.
A return to Carolina cannot be dismissed, either. But Newton’s perception of things within the locker room judging by his exit presser comments might suggest this is a last resort despite his obvious connection to the region.