5 NFL teams that can bet on Cam Newton as backup QB in 2023

Cam Newton is making some moves this offseason to announce that his quarterback service is highly available. First, he threw passes to his younger brother Caylin and other 2023 NFL Draft prospects during Auburn’s Pro Day. Then comes the interview saying that he is willing to be the backup of certain quarterbacks.

That declaration could be a tough pill to swallow for Newton. After all, he is the 2015 NFL Most Valuable Player and Offensive Player of the Year. He also has one All-Pro and three Pro Bowl selections under his belt. Newton also holds the record for most career rushing touchdowns by a quarterback and led the Carolina Panthers to a stint in Super Bowl 50.

Unfortunately, his career started to spiral down after their loss to the Denver Broncos in the big game. He only had one more winning season before the Panthers released him during the 2020 offseason. Injuries also limited him to 16 games in 2018 and 2019.

He got another opportunity, this time with the New England Patriots. However, he went 7-8 in his lone season as the team’s starter, and Mac Jones eventually overtook him for the starting role. Cam Newton had a second stint with the Panthers in 2021 but did not win any of his five starts.

At 33 years old, Newton’s best football years may be behind him. But it doesn’t mean he can’t perform anymore. Also, given his wisdom and command of the huddle, he could be an asset to any team. So, here are five teams that could use his services for the 2023 NFL season.

Washington Commanders

Cam Newton did mention that he is willing to back up Sam Howell, the Commanders’ projected Week 1 starter. The Carson Wentz experiment failed, and Washington brought in Jacoby Brissett to support Howell. However, the jury is still out on Howell, given that he has only played one NFL game. Newton can come into the fray and compete for the starting role with Howell, Brissett, and Jake Fromm.

It’s easy to see why Cam Newton chose Howell and the Commanders, for that matter. They have a young but talented offensive core that can make an impact in the near future.

Brian Robinson Jr. finished his rookie season with 797 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Terry McLaurin had 1,191 yards and five touchdowns, while Jahan Dotson had 523 yards and seven touchdowns. Cam Newton’s mobility can help open up Washington’s offense even more.

Houston Texans

The Texans’ quarterback room is shallow. Davis Mills showed flashes of brilliance but is not the franchise play-caller they are looking for. They also signed Case Keenum to a two-year, $6.25 million contract this offseason and claimed E.J. Perry off waivers.

That’s a bunch that won’t strike fear in opposing defenses. But Houston holds the second overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, and they will likely use it on a young QB.

If that’s the case, they may land either C.J. Stroud or Bryce Young. Newton mentioned those names in the list of quarterbacks he is willing to back up. It remains to be seen if the Texans’ new quarterback can handle the pressure of being a Week 1 starter. If they can’t, having a mobile quarterback like Cam Newton play with running backs Dameon Pierce and Devin Singletary could do wonders.

Baltimore Ravens

The drama continues between Lamar Jackson and the Ravens. The team offered the 2019 NFL MVP a non-exclusive franchise tag worth $32.4m million. However, it allows other teams to sign Jackson to an offer sheet. Nobody has taken the bait for now, and a trade with Baltimore is also possible. If Jackson leaves, the Ravens will have Tyler Huntley and Anthony Brown at quarterback.

Huntley played solidly in Jackson’s absence, making him the projected starter if Jackson plays for another team. But just like the Commanders’ situation, Cam Newton can compete for the starting role and facilitate an offense that will look to be run-dependent. New offensive coordinator Todd Monken could also benefit from having a veteran quarterback like Cam Newton.

Green Bay Packers

Cam Newton mentioned Aaron Rodgers as a play-caller he would like to back up. But the four-time NFL MVP has already declared his intention to play for the New York Jets. While the trade between the Jets and the Packers hasn’t materialized yet, it will get done because Rodgers has no intention of returning. When that happens, Jordan Love will be the starter, and Danny Etling will be his only backup.

The sample size for Love is insufficient to make conclusions about his readiness to be a starter. But the Packers have to play him to see what he can offer. If he performs to expectations, Green Bay will have a successor to Rodgers and Brett Favre. But signing Cam Newton to a contract assures them of another capable quarterback.

Cam Newton to the Los Angeles Rams?

What a disappointing turn of events for the Rams. Injuries and poor offensive play led them to a 5-12 record for the season after winning the Super Bowl LVI. General manager Les Snead is now open to trade offers for Matthew Stafford one year after signing a four-year, $160 million contract extension. Stafford is the only quarterback under contract with the Rams.

Baker Mayfield is already with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, while John Wolford and Bryce Perkins remain free agents. The Rams will not pick until the second round of the 2023 draft, putting them out of position to select one of their top prospects. Stafford leaving creates a quarterback void for the Rams. Cam Newton could be a temporary solution, but it would be better if Stafford continues to lead their offense.