Cam Newton eyes NFL return, could be open to backup role
Former failed Patriots’ quarterback Cam Newton has been making noise lately and now is apparently open to returning to the NFL in a backup role. The last time Cam Newton took a snap in the NFL, it was during the 2021 season with the Carolina Panthers.
This came a year after his failed stint with the New England Patriots in 2020. Newton was the first overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft out of Auburn and was drafted by the Panthers.
He enjoyed a couple of good seasons, peaking in 2015 with an MVP award and a Super Bowl appearance. He fizzled out in 2019 with the Panthers but signed with the Patriots for the 2020 season and started 15 games.
He threw for eight touchdowns, 10 interceptions, and rushed for 592 yards and 12 touchdowns, the second highest rushing total of his career. Then, in 2021, a rookie Mac Jones beat him out for the starting spot on the Pats, and Newton was then cut from the team.
He was not in the NFL in 2022 and it’s clear that Newton is not nearly as effective as he once was. He’s turned into a terrible passer, if we’re being honest, but should still have something left in his legs.
Cam Newton recently said he’d be open to a backup role in the NFL and listed some players he’d be willing to backup:
Cam Newton said he’s willing to be a backup in the NFL & listed some Qb’s:
— Shannonnn sharpes Burner (PARODY Account) (@shannonsharpeee) April 5, 2023
- Deshaun Watson
- Lamar Jackson
- Justin Fields
- Tua Tagovialoa
- Malik Willis
- C.J Stroud
- Bryce Young
- Anthony Richardson
- Jalen Hurts
- Aaron Rodgers
- Josh Allen
- Sam Howell pic.twitter.com/RTO0EcEGN9
To the surprise of absolutely no one, Newton did not list Mac Jones as someone he’d want to backup, but if you notice, he listed each QB in the AFC East, if you count Aaron Rodgers and the Jets. I think Cam Newton felt a bit slighted by the Patriots cutting him for a first round rookie, but Newton was not playing well for the Patriots in 2020.
We’ll see if he can get back into the NFL, but he’s set to turn 34 years old soon, so this year may be his last chance. I do think Newton has the capabilities to serve as a middle of the road backup, which might be what a team needs. His goal-line ability might be attractive to some teams who want to feature a run-first offense, but asking Newton to do damage through the air is not a smart idea.