Cam Newton; Mercurial talent, can he still make a team?

You’ve probably all now seen the list of prospective quarterbacks Cam Newton is willing to backup heading into the 2023 season. But how likely is he really to find a team?

Every off-season we see a once great name (or not so in many cases) running around shirtless inside a dome, out in Florida getting those crucial reps in on the beach, or even better showing off at College Pro Days. See Terrell Owens, Chad Johnson, and most recently former No.1 overall pick DJ Fluker.

For a second consecutive off-season add Cam Newton to that list.

Unlike Tom Brady, who continues to increase in popularity even after retirement. These former pros aren’t found enjoying the sun with their former All-Pro teammates and family on some beach in Tampa. They are instead trying to bag themselves another contract.

Cam was once one of the faces of the league, former No.1 overall pick, leading a high-octane option style offense that almost topped Hall of Famer Peyton Manning in Super Bowl 50. Yet an ageing Manning and raging Von Miller were to thwart him at the last.

Personally, I loved Newton’s prime in the NFL. His ability to make a guy miss with his size and stature, then the breakaway speed that resulted in so many electric touchdown runs over the years redefined the dual-threat QB in the NFL. This led to a thoroughly deserved MVP award in 2015.

Sadly, that is not the Cam Newton we have now at 33 years old, searching for his next gig. After a pedestrian year in New England with the Patriots in 2020, the opportunity for a fairytale ending in Carolina with the Panthers in 2021, that ultimately led to another disappointing year, Cam is lacking credibility to have another shot at the league.

A larger than life character, with the ability the divide a dressing room, let’s assess the recent rumours of NFL teams willing to take one final shot on him:

Kansas City Chiefs

Does Andy Reid take the risk with veteran Chad Henne bowing out this season just gone? Newton would never beat out Mahomes, so it would take a lot of compromise from both sides to make this work.

New York Jets

Jets fans are calling for their GM Joe Douglas to replace disruptive Zach Wilson with Newton. Again, with Aaron Rodgers likely sending his talents to New Jersey in 2023, I can’t see the logic with bringing on two veterans with such differing styles at the position.

Baltimore Ravens

Of all the rumours, this is the most plausible. Lamar Jackson is holding out and that contract situation doesn’t appear to be close to a conclusion, therefore, bringing in a formerly mercurial running talent could fit the bill? They’ve done it before bringing in Robert Griffin III for a brief stint as their backup for 2018-2020.

However, the unlikely Pro-Bowler Tyler Huntley is showing real promise as Lamar’s backup. It would be tough to see a scenario where he is surmountable.

Cam Newton was once a great NFL force, it may now be time for him to admit that there may not be 32 guys better than him. However, teams are willing to bet on young and inexpensive talent over ageing veterans.