Cam Newton hasn’t been healthy for almost two seasons now and that’s not a good sign for a quarterback who used a physical style to be successful. It would be a mistake to think he is done though. Newton is a former top pick in the draft. He’s won an MVP. He’s made three Pro Bowls and been voted All-Pro once. He’s made it to the Super Bowl. He has everything a team would need — when he’s healthy — to lead a squad to a winning record.
Yet, there seem to be slim pickings for Newton when it comes to choosing a team. He’s not going to a team to be a backup. A lot of teams are already settled on their starter. It’s a little late in the game and any team that signs Newton will want a full physical to make sure he’s healthy. That’s a bit difficult with the current Covid-19 situation. Still, these teams could eventually be fits for Newton, and they are spots he should consider when it comes to his free agency decision making process.
Los Angeles Chargers
Tyrod Taylor is a perfectly fine quarterback. Maybe the Chargers are targeting Jordan Love or Justin Herbert in the draft. Hey, Easton Stick could be an intriguing young quarterback. That’s all fine and dandy.
The Chargers need to win and they need to win now. They are moving into a new stadium — as long as it’s not delayed due to novel coronavirus issues pushing back construction — and they need to sell tickets. Newton is exactly the type of personality who can do that. He’s a big, marketable name that can shine as the face of the franchise.
He’s also better than any other option the Chargers have on their roster right now. Again, Taylor is just fine, but he’s not Newton. The Chargers would immediately jump to the second-best team in the AFC West and be a legit contender with a healthy Newton as their quarterback. It’s a team fit, a market fit, and a business fit all in one.
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars don’t know what they are doing. See, it looks like they should go into rebuilding mode, see what they have in Gardner Minshew, and stock draft picks like crazy. On the other hand, Dave Caldwell and Doug Marrone are on the hot seat. They kind of need to show some improvement and win now.
That’s where a short-term Newton contract could come in to play. Why not do both? Newton would get a one year deal and he could hopefully parlay that into a bigger deal down the road. The Jaguars won’t have to invest much in Newton and can try and win games now but set up the team for future success.
Newton may not want to go to Jacksonville since their offensive line was not great last year and they are in a difficult division, but beggars can’t be choosers. If Newton wants to start, a camp battle with Minshew might be one of his best options.
New England Patriots
Everyone seems to want to put Newton on the Patriots, but he’s not exactly a fit for the offense. The Patriots like accurate quarterbacks in their scheme. Newton is not that.
Of course, the Patriots could change their offense that’s been pretty successful for the last 20 years — much of that due to Tom Brady of course– but there are other problems with this fit. The Patriots have almost zero cap room. They can’t offer anything close to what other suitors may be able to give to Newton.
Newton could just say he’s signing for cheap and the Patriots could work some cap magic to get him on the team, but the number might not be a fit. What’s is Newton going to sign for $15 million?
Still, Newton could do wonders for his career with a short stint in New England. The Patriots may want a two or three deal just in case. Something team-friendly that gives them an opt-out. It’s an option.
Miami Dolphins
Let’s just say for some reason some team trades up and snags Tua Tagovailoa and the Dolphins are stuck with Ryan Fitzpatrick and no young quarterback prospect. There is no reason to not take a chance on Cam Newton in that situation.
The Dolphins are looking for a quick rebuild after last season. They did everything right last year. They unloaded bad contracts, traded guys who didn’t fit their system or were in line for big deals and loaded up on draft picks. They have a ton of cap space. They spent some of it to make their defense better. Newton is a better version of Fitzpatrick. If they can’t land Tua, Newton would be the next best option.
