The Carolina Panthers allowed Cam Newton to seek a trade last week, spelling the end of the quarterback's nine-year run with the only NFL franchise he has ever known. That didn't happen, so now the franchise is planning to release the former MVP.
So, just where will Newton end up playing in 2020?
Newton will almost certainly be aiming to link up with a team close to contention, or possibly somewhere he can play one season and rebuild his reputation.
Here are three of the best free agency destinations for Newton, none of which include the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after they landed Tom Brady:
Would the Patriots do this? I'm not so sure.
It's pretty clear that Cam Newton is not the same quarterback who won the NFL MVP award back in 2015-16, as he has undergone a pair of shoulder surgeries as well as a foot procedure since then.
But with Tom Brady out the door and Jarrett Stidham representing the only other truly capable quarterback on New England's roster, Newton could make some sense.
Yes, I understand that Newton has lost eight straight starts, something that doesn't typically fly with Bill Belichick, but keep in mind that was in Carolina, where the team wasn't very good to begin with.
Perhaps Newton can flourish in the Pats' system and return to prominence.
Based on all we are hearing coming out of Chicago, it's blatantly obvious that the team no longer trusts Mitchell Trubisky, so the Bears are searching for an upgrade.
Could Cam Newton be that guy?
Again, there are just as many questions about Newton as there are about Trubisky heading into 2020, but Newton at least has a solid track record.
The Bears have a couple of decent weapons in Allen Robinson and Anthony Miller, and while their running game is shaky at the moment, Tarik Cohen at least has some versatility.
Chicago also needs to fix its offensive line, and it could stand to add another pass-catcher (I'm not sure Jimmy Graham is the answer at this point of his career). They already traded for Nick Foles, but if they can get Newton for a decent price, it could be worth it.
The Chargers went hot and heavy after Brady, which was obviously understandable. But could Newton be a fallback plan?
It's hard to imagine a better landing spot for Newton at the moment, despite the franchise reportedly going with Tyrod Taylor as their starter in 2020.
Los Angeles has some lethal weapons in its aerial attack, ranging from wide receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams to tight end Hunter Henry. Plus, running back Austin Ekeler is a terrific pass-catcher out of the backfield.
Yes, the Bolts' offensive line needs some obvious work, but the Chargers could offer Newton the best set of weapons he has had in quite some time (or possibly ever).
I'm not sure LA would become a contender with Cam Newton, but at the very least, it would give Newton an opportunity to have a big season and then potentially cash in next offseason.
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