The Cleveland Plain Dealer's Terry Pluto hears that if the Cleveland Browns decide to sign another backup quarterback later on, it won't be free-agent Cam Newton. Newton didn't play at all in 2022. In 2021, he played five games for the Carolina Panthers and went 0-5 with four touchdowns and five interceptions while completing just 55 percent of his passing attempts. According to sources, the Browns are all in on Joshua Dobbs as the backup to Deshaun Watson moving forward, so it makes little sense for them to be interested in the declining Newton. It remains to be seen if the soon-to-be 34-year-old signal-caller will generate any interest from others NFL teams.
Free-agent quarterback Cam Newton said "he's willing to be a backup" in 2023. "There ain't 32 guys that are better than me," said Newton. The former Carolina Panther said he's willing to be a backup in certain circumstances. He would serve as a backup for Deshaun Watson, Justin Fields, Malik Willis, Aaron Rodgers, Josh Allen, and Jalen Hurts. Newton was out of football in 2022 and looking to make a comeback in 2023. The 33-year-old received no phone calls from NFL teams after participating in Auburn's Pro Day workout. He hopes to latch onto a team this offseason, but that opportunity might not come until after the 2023 NFL Draft. Newton threw for 684 yards with four touchdowns and five interceptions in eight games (five starts) with Carolina in 2021.
Free-agent quarterback Cam Newton is set to throw at Auburn's Pro Day on Tuesday. The 33-year-old appears to be attempting a come back after not playing last season. He last played with the Carolina Panthers in 2021. During that season, Newton threw for 684 yards with four touchdowns and five interceptions in eight games (five starts) with Carolina. It's hard to imagine the former MVP being able to find a starting spot in the NFL right now. Possibly, he's able to find a spot as a backup, but even that is uncertain at this point.
The Cleveland Browns aren't expected to be interested in veteran free-agent quarterback Cam Newton, but they have inquired about former Brown Garrett Gilbert, who was with the team in 2019 and 2020. The Browns also aren't expected to pursue San Francisco 49ers QB Jimmy Garoppolo. Cleveland will take four signal-callers to training camp, which begins next week, and they already have Deshaun Watson, Jacoby Brissett and Joshua Dobbs on the roster. The Browns will work out AJ McCarron and Josh Rosen, among others, this week in an attempt to add depth to the position with a Watson suspension looming. Newton might still have something left as a rusher, but he looked washed up as a passer in his return to the Carolina Panthers in 2021.
Free-agent quarterback Cam Newton remains in talks with the Panthers, with Carolina reportedly "keeping the door open" regarding a potential return. However, that may not be the only team interested in the veteran's services, as the Seahawks are reportedly also entertaining the idea of signing the signal-caller. While Geno Smith and Drew Lock are anticipated to battle for the No. 1 spot during training camp, adding Newton to the mix could make things interesting. Nevertheless, even if the veteran somehow earns the starting job in Seattle, it's unlikely he'll draw much interest from fantasy managers, especially considering his subpar play over the last few years.
The Carolina Panthers continue to talk about the potential of re-signing quarterback Cam Newton. "I think we're still having thoughts," general manager Scott Fitterer said. "We have to see how this works out here throughout the spring. I just happened to be up at the [Kentucky] Derby last weekend and Cam was up there. We're texting a little bit. The lines of communication are open." Carolina turned to Newton last year when Sam Darnold was injured, and the former MVP was mediocre in eight games (five starts), throwing for 684 yards, four touchdowns and five interceptions on 126 attempts. He ran 47 times for 230 yards and five scores. A lot will depend on what the team sees in Darnold and rookie Matt Corral, and whether they pursue a trade for Cleveland Browns QB Baker Mayfield.
Cam Newton Remains Patient On QB Free-Agent Market
Quarterback Cam Newton does not yet have a franchise to call home for the 2022 season, but according to a text exchange with ESPN's Adam Schefter, he's fine with that. "I am waiting on the best fit as it pertains to winning a championship and getting a fair chance to play," Newton said, citing that multiple teams were interested in acquiring his services. Newton did not take the field in '21 until Week 10 when he was reunited with Carolina after injuries and below average performance forced head coach Matt Rhule's hand. Newton started five games down the stretch, with the Panthers losing all five, as the 32-year-old completed just 54.8% of his passes. It's unclear what franchises would be in the mix to assure Newton starting duties, but his running game would undoubtedly make him a favored DFS asset on occasion if he ultimately finds a gig.
Carolina Panthers general manager Scott Fitterer said that head coach Matt Rhule has talked with free-agent quarterback Cam Newton about a possible return. "It's gotta be a good fit for him. It's gotta be a good fit for us. .The door's still open for us. We'll see where it goes," Fitterer said. The Panthers continue to swing and miss in their efforts to upgrade over Sam Darnold under center for the 2022 season. Newton was signed after Darnold was injured last year, and he threw for 684 yards and four touchdowns on 126 attempts over eight games (five starts) while 47 carries for 230 yards and five TDs on the ground. The 32-year-old might not have any options left besides returning to the team that he won an MVP award with in 2015, but he wouldn't be guaranteed to start over Darnold, and that's saying a lot.
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton, who will be a free agent this offseason, said he thinks he can still play in the NFL and is open to going to a contending team as a backup QB. Newton and the Panthers reunited in 2021 with Sam Darnold (shoulder) missing six weeks due to injury, but the 32-year-old former MVP showed why he was on the street to begin with at midseason. Newton can still do some damage with his legs on the ground when needed, but he wasn't able to do much through the air, going 69-for-126 (54.8%) for 684 yards, four touchdowns and five interceptions in eight games (five starts). Newton had a mediocre 64.4 QB rating and was averaging just 5.4 yards per attempt and a career-low 9.9 yards per completion in his return. It's clear that he's more of a backup at this point in his career, and he's unlikely to return to Carolina with the Panthers already re-signing P.J. Walker.
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton, who ceded work to Sam Darnold in Week 16, used Sunday's postgame press conference to address questions surrounding his future in the NFL. "Football has been good to me," he said. "I was able to walk away unscathed. I don't want to sound like I'm retiring, but I've had some great memories." Newton claimed this wasn't his way of saying goodbye, but it certainly sounded like a player who knows their time with a team is coming to an end. The 32-year-old finished this week's game against the Buccaneers with seven completions, 61 passing yards, one interception, 42 rushing yards, and three sacks. It seems like Darnold will draw the start in Week 17, though Carolina head coach Matt Rhule has yet to confirm the situation.
