Panthers Divorcing Cam Newton And Where He Could Land
The end is near for Cam Newton in Carolina.
Many expected Cam Newton to come back healthy as the starter for the Carolina Panthers after missing the last 14 games last season due to injury, however, news broke yesterday that Newton’s days in Carolina were actually numbered. Fans showed mixed emotions, some rejoiced feeling like Newton wouldn’t be the same, many others sadden and confused on why the franchise’s greatest quarterback is being forced out.
To fully extinguish the flame, the Panthers announced their new QB1 – Teddy Bridgewater – after signing him to a three-year, $63 million deal a few hours after announcing Newton was seeking a trade. Based on Newton’s response to the Panthers’ Instagram post, it seems more so that Newton was left without option and forced to seek the trade or would be released. Former Panthers tight end Greg Olsen backed Newton, commenting “Sounds familiar”. So many are now asking – exactly why are the Panthers divorcing Newton?
The Panthers-Newton marriage has been on a tight rope as of late after Panthers’ new owner David Tepper took over and wanted to build a team to compete. It started with the firing of head coach Ron Rivera, who quickly landed back on his feet by taking the Washington Redskins job. Next, it was Olsen’s turn, another Carolina fan-favorite chopped due to “it just being time” which many believe were based on age and health concerns despite playing the most games he’s played since his Pro Bowl season in 2016. Before news broke of Newton seeking a trade (or in Newton’s eyes being forced out), many speculated that Newton would be traded or released due to age and injuries that have many thinking he just won’t be the same and wouldn’t be worth the $21 million cap hit. Others align with Olsen’s reasoning feel it was just time to move on and rebuild without Newton leading the charge.
It is looking more so like Newton will be released versus traded due to teams around the NFL feeling no need to trade away assets, as it is without a doubt Newton will not be on the Panthers roster next season. Many teams are interested, but which teams give Newton the best chance to not only start but to win? Unlike Jameis Winston, where ever Newton lands he is expected to start and has already been linked to some solid teams around the league. Best case scenario Newton ends up in LA with the Chargers taking over for, for now, Indianapolis Colt Philip Rivers. The Chargers would be the best fit with the only competition being Tyrod Taylor and Easton Stick and weapons like Austin Ekeler, Hunter Henry, and Keenan Allen. Chargers already have a solid roster and after missing out on Tom Brady they could fill Rivers’ void with Newton.
The next team that could use Newton’s services is the Washington Redskins that are preparing to make some noise next season. This fit is a bit more difficult with Dwayne Haskins there and could lead to it being just a quick stop for Newton in his career, but still could work. Rivera loves and had Newton back through all the injuries, which could be the main reason why we could see Newton throwing to Terry McLaurin. This move could also give Haskins more time to learn and be more prepared watching Newton take the snaps and learn how to handle certain situations like a pro.
The next scenario could be the New England Patriots, who need a quarterback after losing Tom Brady to Tampa Bay. This would be a unique fit to say the very least but it could be fun to see Josh McDaniels work with a mobile quarterback like Newton. Not many weapons on offense, but with a great defense and the brilliance of Bill Belichick you can expect the Patriots to be competitive, and getting Newton would surely help.
Last but not least, the Chicago Bears could be a fit for Newton services. A team that looked to trade for Andy Dalton, or Nick Foles, and had their eyes on signing Bridgewater could now shift that focus to Newton. Mitchell Trubisky hasn’t been the answer for the Chicago Bears and everyone including Trubsiky knows it. Chicago fits that 2015 Panthers mold which had Newton winning his first MVP and playing in his first Super Bowl. They have a dominating defense and speed throughout on the offensive side of the ball.
Newton’s time in Carolina is coming to an end but despite the ugly ending, there is no need to forget the beautiful story. The 2015 MVP season in which he led the Panthers to the Super Bowl, only losing one game on the path there. The 29,041 yards thrown in the air with 182 passing touchdowns to the 4,806 rushing yards and 58 rushing touchdowns. Much like his on-field play, the things he did for the community and fans were always top level and for these reasons alone his Panther legacy will always be remembered as the best quarterback in Carolina Panther history.