Cam Newton news: 5 teams who should call
With Cam Newton being surprisingly released by the New England Patriots, a handful of teams should be checking on the vet.
On Tuesday, the NFL saw each club cut down to 53-man rosters. One release stood out.
The New England Patriots decided to cut bait with quarterback Cam Newton, perhaps somewhat due to his lackluster play in 2020 and also the fact he remains unvaccinated from COVID. Regardless, the former NFL MVP is now available, and while his vaccination status may hinder his marketability, let’s look at five potential fits.
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5. Houston Texans
With Deshaun Watson perhaps missing this entire season as his legal troubles continue, the Texans are preparing to start veteran Tyrod Taylor in Week 1 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Newton would be a clear upgrade, giving a rudderless franchise a recognizable face and a better player under center. While nobody would argue Newton as a savior in Houston — nobody can save the current edition — he would at least make the Texans marginally better.
4. Denver Broncos
After having an uninspiring quarterback competition this summer between Drew Lock and Teddy Bridgewater, the Broncos finally settled on the latter. If Denver still wants to upgrade, Newton would at least represent the possibility of that. Still, the Broncos might believe they have something in Bridgewater, at least until they go looking for a long-term answer this offseason. For Newton, this would be a dream scenario as the weapons and defense are excellent.
Read: Patriots Shockingly Part Ways With Veteran Quarterback Cam Newton
3. New York Jets
The Jets don’t have a single player on the roster who has ever thrown a pass in a regular-season NFL game. Newton wouldn’t be starting over rookie and No. 2 overall pick Zach Wilson, but he could be a sounding board who provides some wisdom on the sideline and in meeting rooms. New York is trying to rebuild the franchise, and Newton could be a nice behind-the-scenes piece to doing so.
2. Indianapolis Colts
The Colts have had all sorts of COVID issues this year, including with current starting quarterback Carson Wentz, who is reportedly sidelined as a close contact. Wentz also missed almost all of training camp with a foot injury, and has a lengthy past of health concerns. Behind him? A second-year man in Jacob Eason who hasn’t thrown an NFL pass. Perhaps Newton would be good insurance.
1. Washington Football Team
Ron Rivera is the head coach in Washington. Rivera coached Newton from his rookie year in 2011 through ’19. The Football Team is currently starting journeyman Ryan Fitzpatrick, so the former No. 1 overall pick could be an upgrade. However, would Rivera, who survived cancer last year and has been outspoken about wanting players to get the vaccine, be willing to bring Newton in?
