3 landing spots for Cam Newton after Carolina Panthers door shuts

Cam Newton could join the Cleveland Browns

The Cleveland Browns were never going to keep Baker Mayfield around after they secured the services of Deshaun Watson. Bridges had been burned beyond repair, which left them with no alternative other than to give in to the Carolina Panthers regarding how the player’s fully guaranteed $18.85 million in 2022 would be split.

This leaves the Browns short of viable options in the event Watson gets a lengthy suspension due to sexual misconduct as expected. Cleveland does have Jacoby Brissett, but this won’t necessarily move the needle for a talented roster that looks primed for a postseason run once again.

At least from a schematic standpoint, Cam Newton makes a ton of sense for them in the short term. Kevin Stefanski’s offense relies heavily on the running game with Kareem Hunt and Nick Chubb, so adding the Auburn product into this backfield would be a nightmare for opposing defenses.

Newton might be regressing from a throwing point of view, but he is still a feared presence carrying the football thanks to his size, elusiveness, and physicality. Something that could be an asset until Watson is eligible to return.

Just when that will be and how long Watson is banned for remains unclear. But having Newton around would also be beneficial for the former first-round pick, who’s always looked up to the veteran before and during his pro career.