Cam Newton remains a free agent nearly two months after the Carolina Panthers released him.
All kinds of excuses have been thrown out to explain why Newton still hasn’t signed with a new team. Some have suggested there are no starting jobs available. Others say the pandemic has prevented him from working out with potential suitors. If that’s true, then how are quarterbacks like Jameis Winston and Andy Dalton still getting work?
In any case, Newton is the top name on the market and eventually some team is going to decide he’s worth the risk. While we still believe he should start, at the very least he’d be a massive upgrade for 30 teams as a backup quarterback.
According to ESPN, the best fit for Newton is the Seattle Seahawks.
While Matt Bowen picked the Rams, both Jeremy Fowler and Field Yates pinpointed Seattle as his best destination. Here’s what Yates had to say on a potential Cam/Seahawks union.
“If Newton were to consider going the Andy Dalton/Jameis Winston route, Seattle would make a lot of sense. The depth after Russell Wilson is led by undrafted rookie Anthony Gordon, so while Seattle has never had to worry about life without Russ since he entered the league — Wilson hasn’t missed a game — Newton would provide invaluable insurance. Seattle is a franchise that perpetually preaches the importance of competing; it’s a place in which, I believe, Cam would see value on a one-year basis.”
This probably won’t be a popular idea with Panthers fans given their non-division rivalry with the Seahawks in recent years.
That said, it does make sense on some levels.
Seattle has the same offensive philosophy that Carolina had for most of Newton’s time here. Even though they have one of the best deep ball passers in the history of the league, the Seahawks like to run the ball on principle and take occasional shots on play action. That’s a lot like what Newton did for Mike Shula when he was the Panthers’ offensive coordinator. Cam also has a proven, solid rapport with Greg Olsen – who projects as their No. 1 tight end despite his age.
Then again, the chances that Newton would actually get to contribute for Seattle are slim.
As Yates mentioned, Wilson has never missed a game in his career – a stunning achievement considering the pass protection he has gotten from horrible offensive lines. Standing on the sidelines all season and watching a rival like Wilson thrive would have to be a frustrating dynamic for a competitor like Newton. Of course, Wilson might be overdue for an injury.
Wherever he winds up, that team will be getting one of the most physically gifted quarterbacks of the last decade.
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