The New England Patriots sent shockwaves throughout the NFL world a couple of days ago when they released veteran QB Cam Newton. Head coach Bill Belichick decided that it’s time to start the Mac Jones era sooner than expected. Folks around the league were a bit stunned at the Pats’ decision, as Newton was thought to be the team’s opening day starter.
Newton should land on an NFL roster fairly soon as he’s only 32 years old and should be able to help a handful of teams. Where will the former MVP end up playing in 2021? Here are three potential landing spots for Cam Newton (LWOSports).
- Detroit Lions
The Lions organization is excited about having Jared Goff as its new QB and rightfully so. Goff is a two-time Pro Bowler who put up a record of 42-27 as a starting QB with the Rams. However, Goff’s interception total has been a bit of a concern over the last two seasons.
Sure, Newton has also been interception-prone at times in his career so that may be a red flag for Detroit. With that being said, Newton would bring a bit more excitement to a city that desperately needs it from its football team. The 6-5 245 pounder would also bring another element to the Lions’ offense since he’s still a dynamic runner (12 rushing TD last year for NE).
- Houston Texans
A move to Houston may make the most sense for Newton, especially with all the trade rumors surrounding current Texans QB Deshaun Watson. Houston plans on starting veteran Tyrod Taylor at QB this season. Taylor is a decent playmaker but Newton would be a step up from him for the Texans’ offense.
Newton may not want to go to a franchise that will be one of the worst in the league but it may be his best opportunity to be a starter. The Texans also have some above-average wide receivers (Brandin Cooks and Nico Collins) that Newton may like throwing the ball to down the field. If Watson does indeed get traded, look for Houston to offer Newton a one-year contract.
- Washington Football Team
Washington may also be a decent fit for Newton in 2021. Look, we love Ryan “The Beard” Fitzpatrick but he’s not the answer at QB if this team wants to make a deep playoff run. Though Fitz is a decent game manager, he’s not the playmaker that Newton is at QB.
Washington head coach Ron Rivera has a long history with Newton from their days together in Carolina. The duo nearly won a Super Bowl together back during the 2015 season. It wouldn’t be too big of a stretch to see Rivera going to the Washington front office and campaigning to sign Newton before the 2021 season officially kicks off in a few days. It’s not that hard to envision Newton running the zone read with RB Antonio Gibson behind him in the backfield.