After sitting out the 2022 season, it is grow to be fairly clear that Cam Newton needs to return to the NFL this yr. Newton put himself again on the NFL radar in March when he confirmed up to throw to his brother at Auburn’s Pro Day.
Although Newton is hoping to be a beginning quarterback in 2023, he appears to appreciate that signing as a starter for the upcoming season won’t be an choice for him, which is why he is now prepared to be a backup. In a video launched to his YouTube channel on Wednesday, not solely did Newton admit that he is prepared to be a backup, however he additionally revealed the 9 groups that he’d be open to signing with.
“I do know lots of people have loads of issues to say with regard to my future within the NFL and I needed to set the document straight by saying that is how I really feel,” Newton mentioned within the video. “There ain’t 32 guys who’re higher than me, however I additionally know that I is also a backup and I’m prepared to be a backup.”
The 2015 NFL MVP then proceeded to listing off the quarterbacks that he’d be prepared to again up and people quarterbacks are: Deshaun Watson, Lamar Jackson, Justin Fields, Tua Tagovailoa, Malik Willis, Jalen Hurts, Aaron Rodgers, Josh Allen and Sam Howell.
If you want a useful listing, which means that Newton can be prepared to play for the next 9 groups:
This listing is concurrently fascinating and complicated on the identical time. It appears he’d desire to again up a younger QB that he can mentor, however he is additionally prepared to function a backup to a number of established veterans like Rodgers, Jackson and Watson. And then there’s Willis, who is not even the starter in Tennessee, so if Newton was his backup, he’d be signing because the third-string QB with the Titans.
Besides these 9 groups, Newton additionally mentioned that he’d be prepared to function a backup to Bryce Young, C.J. Stroud and Anthony Richardson. Those are three of the highest quarterbacks on this yr’s draft class and after they get picked, that may give us three extra groups that Newton can be prepared to signal with for a complete of 12. One fascinating twist there may be that the Panthers have the No. 1 total choose. The final time that they had the highest choose got here in 2011 once they chosen Newton.
As for Newton’s full listing, the Ravens might undoubtedly make some sense. If they cannot get a deal performed with Jackson, that will open the door for Newton to doubtlessly compete with Tyler Huntley for the beginning job.
Signing with the Dolphins additionally would not be a foul choice. Tagovailoa has had hassle staying wholesome, which implies if Newton have been in a position to win the backup job, he’d presumably get to see some motion if Tua cannot keep on the sector. Of course, if he did signal with the Dolphins, Newton must beat out Mike White for the backup QB spot.
Another intriguing choice could possibly be the Bears, who solely have P.J. Walker and Nathan Peterman behind Justin Fields. If Newton is the backup, he mentioned he’d be prepared to mentor the starter, which might undoubtedly work in Chicago. Fields would most likely be thrilled to study from a former NFL MVP.
Newton appears decided to get again into the NFL this yr and since he is now prepared to be a backup, it will not be shocking in any respect if he does find yourself signing with somebody.