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With the 2020 NFL offseason nearly over and the season coming up quickly, there are still some high-level free agents available for teams to sign. One of those high-profile free agents is veteran quarterback Cam Newton.
Following his release from the Carolina Panthers earlier this offseason, many thought that Newton would find a new home fairly quickly. Unfortunately, his injury history and lack of consistency in recent years has forced teams to stay away from him. Even though there are plenty of teams who could use a veteran quarterback like Newton, he has struggled to find a new deal.
Now, teams are going to be going through their final roster evaluations. Those teams who need a better starting quarterback or a quality backup will come calling players like Newton.
Last season with the Panthers, Newton was only able to play in two games. Back in 2018, however, he played in 14 games, completing 67.9 percent of his pass attempts for 3,395 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions. Newton also picked up 488 yards and four touchdowns on the ground in that season.
All of that being said, there are a few teams that should absolutely take a long look at Newton late in free agency. He may not end up getting a deal, but these are the teams who should sign him.
3. Los Angeles Chargers
Next up, the Chargers are a team that has been talked about as a Cam Newton landing spot since he was released. Los Angeles has reportedly decided to give Tyrod Taylor a shot at the starting job, but adding Newton would make a ton of sense as well. Justin Herbert was drafted in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft, but the Chargers may want to consider giving him a full year or two to learn from the sidelines.
Granted, the Chargers could also decide to start Herbert in year one and have Taylor as his veteran backup and mentor. Los Angeles may not be a potential destination for Newton anymore.
Newton would fit nicely in L.A. and would sell tickets. If he returns to full health, he would absolutely be able to make the Chargers an intriguing sleeper in the AFC. Los Angeles may not have any kind of interest anymore, but the move would be a solid one.
2. Jacksonville Jaguars
While the Jaguars may not be a team that many view as a franchise that should search for a quarterback, they absolutely should consider signing Cam Newton.
Gardner Minshew will be the team's starting quarterback in Week 1 and many believe he is the long-term franchise quarterback for the team. However, he is entering just his second NFL season and there is no guarantee that he will live up to the hype. Bringing in a veteran backup like Newton would make a ton of sense for Jacksonville.
Newton would be able to become a mentor for the young quarterback. He would be signed to a one-year deal to either mentor Minshew or take over for him if the young quarterback struggles. Jacksonville may not end up making a move at quarterback, but it would make sense if they chose to do so.
1. New England Patriots
Finally, and most importantly, the New England Patriots absolutely have to consider signing Cam Newton. Losing Tom Brady to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers was a tough blow for them this offseason. Now, they are projected to start second-year quarterback Jarrett Stidham.
There is no question that Stidham has the talent to be a solid quarterback in the future, but he isn't ready right now. Adding Newton would give Stidham the opportunity to continue developing from the sideline as well as staying in contention.
Bill Belichick is not the kind of coach who will be happy with tanking for the team's future quarterback. Instead, he would rather stay competitive without Brady.
Newton would be capable of keeping them in playoff contention and might even be enough to make them one of the top contenders in the AFC alongside the Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens.
