The 2020 NFL free agency period was one of the most loaded we have ever seen at the quarterback position, and former Carolina Panthers signal-caller Cam Newton is still a free agent as we reach the middle of June. The 31-year-old is the best still available on the market at his position and has the potential to take on a starting role or serve as a reliable backup option with upside.
Heading into his 10th NFL season, Newton has posted a completion percentage of 59.32% and has thrown for 29,041 yards with 182 touchdowns with 108 interceptions. He’s also added 4,806 yards on the ground and 56 rushing touchdowns. While those numbers may not blow you away, Newton is potentially a better option for some teams in 2020 than their current starter. Let’s take a look at three such teams that his presence would instantly improve.
Three teams that free agent Cam Newton could improve in 2020
New England Patriots
The Patriots seem to be confident enough in what they have in former Auburn signal-caller Jarrett Stidham at quarterback. The team also has veteran Brian Hoyer and undrafted rookies J’Mar Smith (Louisiana Tech) and Brian Lewerke (Michigan State) to work with at the position.
All of this is certainly a far cry from the stability we saw when Tom Brady was on the roster, and how much of the situation they’re in has to do with their cap space?
The Patriots have less than $1 million left in cap space, making them second-to-last in the league in that category. There are ways the Patriots could work around this and try to bring Newton in, but only time will tell if they make a move to bring on another quarterback now, or next year when they’re in a better situation financially.
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Miami Dolphins
Throwing rookie quarterback Tua Tagovailoa into the fire, especially after the injuries he suffered over his college career at Alabama, hardly seems like the best idea. Regardless, the team could benefit from using some of its cap space to add another established veteran on the roster.
Enter Newton. The move has significant upside for the Dolphins, and likely won’t break the bank. Newton would have a very good chance to win a competition to start over Ryan Fitzpatrick and could take the reins until Tua is at full health and ready to command an NFL offense.
Denver Broncos
Drew Lock, who has just five NFL starts under his belt, is looking to become the Broncos’ starting quarterback of the future in 2020. Behind him, the trifecta of Jeff Driskel, Brett Rypien, and rookie Riley Neal is hardly going to give opposing defensive coordinators nightmares when planning for what to do if one of them has to step in.
Newton would be a solid addition for Denver, who could clearly use some added depth at the position. Depending on how things playout for the team this offseason when it comes to Lock’s development, if they did take the gamble on signing Newton, then the former Panthers signal-caller could take a crack at the starting gig.
Other than potentially unsettling Lock, there are not many reasons the Broncos shouldn’t take a chance on a former MVP who should come with a reasonably low price tag.
Crissy Froyd is a writer for Pro Football Network (@PFN365). Follow her on Twitter @crissy_froyd