Cam Newton is a free agent and you would think that teams would be clamoring for him. According to reports, the Patriots and Falcons reached out for his medical record and the former 2015 NFL MVP was medically cleared. Newton is the Panthers’ most winning player in history and led a 15-1 Carolina team to a Super Bowl 50 appearance.
A clean bill of health is huge for one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks the league has ever seen because throughout his tenure Newton has sustained a plethora of injuries from a left-ankle surgery, a chest rib fracture, a concussion, a shoulder rotator cuff strain, a knee strain and most recently a shoulder surgery that shut down last season.
Previous to the shoulder surgery, Newton was quietly having one of his best seasons completing a career-high 68% of his passes throwing for 3,395 yards with 24 touchdowns, 13 interceptions and a 94 rating (second-best in his career). The nine-year veteran was just released by the Panthers after not being able to find a suitable trade partner and for the first time, the 30-year-old is a free agent. Here is the best fits for the former “Super Cam” by Chris’s Corner:
Los Angeles Chargers: Fresh off a revamping their uniforms, on the eve of moving to their new stadium was better way to make a splash then signing a former NFL MVP to pair with a bevy of talent in the dynamic receiving duo Keenan Allen (1,199 yards, 6 touchdowns) & Mike Williams (1,0001 yards), the versatile Austin Ekeler (1,550 total yards, 11 touchdowns) and the emerging Hunter Henry (five touchdowns). The Chargers have had many unforgettable years from (sure-fire Hall-of-Famer) Phillip Rivers, but have never had a mobile dynamic dual threat quarterback like Cam Newton in their team history. Just a season ago they were 12-4 coming off one of their best seasons since 2009. With the additions of a revamped offensive line (Bryan Bulaga, Trai Turner) as well as defense (Chris Harris Jr., Linval Joseph, Nick Vigil) and possibly adding a healthy Newton, the Chargers could spring themselves back into AFC contention once more.
New England Patriots: Succeeding Tom Brady doesn’t appeal to most but if anyone could thrive in that position, it has to, “Super Cam.” Pairing (arguably) the Greatest Coach of All Time in Bill Belichick with his first real dual-threat quarterback in Newton could have the makings of greatness. Newton’s ability to both evade pressure and run with power could open up New England’s playbook bringing it to new heights and Cam is no stranger to winning, being the Panthers most winningest player in franchise history. The Patriots have plenty of weapons in Julian Edelman (1,117 yards, 6 touchdowns), James “Sweet Feet” White (908 total yards and 6 touchdowns), Rex Burkhead (581 total yards), Sony Michel (912 rushing yards) and former first-rounder, N’Keal Harry. “Super Cam,” paired with those running backs adding to an already top-five defense could keep the Patriots atop the NFC East and keep them in consistent contention with a rapidly improving AFC Division.
Miami Dolphins: The Dolphins have made quite the splash in free-agency signing several pieces including Jordan Howard (Eagles), Kyle Van Noy (Patriots), Byron Jones (Cowboys), Ereck Flowers (Redskins) and Shaq Lawson (Bills) to name a few. What better way than to show their all-in on building towards winning than signing the last big fish in the pond in Cam Newton. Newton’s ability to improvise, push the ball down the field to DaVante Parkers (1,202 yards and 9 touchdowns) and safety valve, Mike Gesicki (570 yards) and of course run the football (4806 career rushing yards, 58 total touchdowns) would be huge for a team that struggled immensely to run the football (last in the league in rushing) and could serve as they perfect bridge quarterback for the one they draft with the No. 5 pick in this year’s draft (Projected to be Tua T from Alabama) and allow him to become fully healthy and learn under one of the greats.
Las Vegas Raiders: Yes I understand they have Derek Carr, I also understand they have dual-threat weapon Marcus Mariota but how cool would it be to see Newton in the Silver & Black. Jon Gruden is notoriously known for loving the next quarterback he finds/signs and none have been quite as dynamic as “Super Cam.” The Raiders going to Las Vegas in their new stadium would sell tickets by the dozens and give the newly-found fan-base a foundation to stand behind in stud running-back Josh Jacobs (1,150 yards, 7 touchdowns), resurrected tight-end Darren Waller (1,145 yards, 3 touchdowns) and with the addition by subtraction, “Super Cam” create a dynasty for the future.
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