According to a report by Adam Schefter at ESPN, the Panthers are expected to release quarterback Cam Newton today.
While that headline may come as a shock, we knew this was a possibility when the team tanked his trade value by publicly questioning his health and then hurt their leverage by making it clear they were moving on with Teddy Bridgewater. There were reports that the Bears were in contact about a potential Newton trade. However, they decided to send the Jaguars a fourth-round pick for Nick Foles instead.
And so Newton – a former Heisman-winner, No. 1 overall draft pick and league MVP will become a free agent. The move saves the Panthers $19.1 million in cap room and adds another $2 million to the dead money total.
As for what comes next for Cam, there are a few QB-needy teams who might be interested.
The Redskins are one possibility. Ron Rivera coached Newton for the last nine years and probably believes he’s an improvement over 2019 first-round pick Dwayne Haskins. Signing Newton would free Washington up to use their No. 2 pick this year on a non-QB like Chase Young. They might also choose to trade down and start filling the considerable number of roster holes they have.
The Chargers are another good fit. Tyrod Taylor is their projected starter right now after Philip Rivers signed with the Colts. As long as Newton is healthy, he qualifies as a serious upgrade over Taylor.
Our gut feeling though is that Newton will sign with the Patriots. Bill Belichick is on record expressing his admiration for Newton’s abilities and he needs a new starter now that Tom Brady has signed with Tampa Bay.
Wherever he goes, we wish Cam the best and hope some day this rift will be repaired and he’ll retire as a Panther.
