3 reasons former Panthers QB Cam Newton could join the 49ers
By Dean Jones
Cam Newton is a great scheme fit
Kyle Shanahan’s offense is creative and heavily reliant on churning yards on the ground. This opens things up for the likes of Brandon A and Deebo Samuel to do damage in the passing game, with the San Francisco 49ers also boasting a formidable offensive line that carves up running lanes at will for whoever is carrying the football.
This looks tailor-made for someone like Cam Newton. One could make a case that the arm isn’t what it used to be, but the signal-caller remains someone to fear in the running game and in red-zone situations.
Bringing in a new quarterback at this late stage isn’t ideal. Something the Carolina Panthers also did last season when Sam Darnold was forced to injured/reserve and Newton made a shocking return to the franchise that cast him aside in 2020.
It was a difficult situation and Matt Rhule’s meddling didn’t help matters. But the Niners run a much more efficient operation and this would undeniably be the best offensive line he’s worked behind throughout his illustrious career.
Newton would be tasked with keeping the chains moving, putting the football in his playmakers’ hands, and contributing his own physical running style to an offense that’s stacked with talent. Whether it’s something San Francisco contemplates remains to be seen, but it could be the move that saves their playoff aspirations.