Panthers cut Cam Newton, Cameron Jordan immediately hits recruiting trail

Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan didn’t waste any time in trying to recruit free agent quarterback Cam Newton after the Panthers cut him.

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Well, that escalated quickly. The Carolina Panthers released franchise quarterback Cam Newton, formally ushering in a new era led by Teddy Bridgewater and new head coach Matt Rhule. What’s maybe most surprising about the development is how long it took New Orleans Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan to jump in and try to sell his team on Newton, now a free agent.

Jordan responded to a report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter which said that Newton recently passed a physical, with both his surgically-repaired foot and shoulder clearing inspection. However, that prompted Jordan to ask whether Newton would like to take a year or two of rest to make sure, and maybe adjust his throwing mechanics (if needed) in New Orleans.

Jordan also pointed to the strengths of the Saints roster — a “dynamic, top tier” running back in Alvin Kamara, options at wide receiver (like Michael Thomas, Emmanuel Sanders, and Deonte Harris), and most importantly, a “cemented and proven OFFENSIVE LINE,” which allowed far too many pressures, sacks, and knockdowns during Newton’s tenure in Carolina. It’s a compelling argument.

Of course, an issue bigger than navigating the salary cap or getting Newton to accept a backup role behind Drew Brees would be getting a message out in the quarterback’s signature Wingdings-esque Instagram font. Maybe another shipment of gifts from Jordan Winery would help convince him.

This isn’t the first big swing at the plate Jordan has taken this offseason. He’s been as active as ever in doing his part to court playmakers, connecting with since-traded Pro Bowl cornerback Darius Slay and suggesting former Miami Dolphins top draft pick Dion Jordan (who was handpicked by Jeff Ireland, now the Saints college scouting director) as a great scheme fit in New Orleans. That proves that Jordan is acutely aware of how close the Saints are to reaching a Super Bowl with this current roster, and he wants them to load up and do whatever they can to get over the hump.

Then again, maybe Jordan is just being wistful. He later joked that he’s been daydreaming of whether the Saints could assemble all three of the “2011 draft class Cam’s on the same black and gold squad,” meaning himself, Newton, and Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman Cameron Heyward (son of Saints great “Ironhead” Craig Heyward), a three-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro. Wouldn’t that be something?

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