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Cam Newton is reportedly open to accepting a backup QB position if the right fit becomes available. And for once I'm completely onboard with the idea of giving the position some juice.
From NFL Now: Free agent QB Cam Newton has not ruled out a backup QB job in the right situation, I'm told. He wants to be (and should be) a starter. But he's open to being a backup. pic.twitter.com/g89M6vAgyv
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 7, 2020
Now hear me out..
...stop yelling...
...okay, let's begin.
The price point for any free agent quarterback that has been on the market since the beginning of free agency is almost nothing. There is no market for Cam, why else would he be okay with accepting a reduced role? The former NFL MVP could be had for next to nothing on a deal comparable to Jameis Winston.
Yes, even the Steelers could afford that.
I wouldn't just bring in Newton to sit on the bench however. I would create his own package while loading up the field with jumbo personnel and let him run an option based attacked. He doesn't need more than a drive or two per game, but the change of pace would be a nightmare to game-plan for opposing defensive coordinators.
Not only that but let's just say Ben Roethlisberger isn't quite 100% right to start the 2020 season, Newton isn’t far removed from an MVP season and could provide some quality starts. This could also be a positive for Mason Rudolph as he can work closely with QB coach, Matt Canada to fix some mechanical issues, that is if the team still values him of the QB of the future (which I believe they do).
And if it doesn't work out? Cut him after camp. It won't matter because his cap hit won't damage the cap in the slightest.
The only other team I could see the being interested in riding the pine is in Washington where he could help teach Dwayne Haskins with his former coach Ron Rivera. But I really don't think the Redskins want to put any pressure on Haskins yet and having one of the best QB’s of the 2010’s on your roster would defiantly make the second year pivot look over his shoulder.
For the Steelers, if the price is right, why not. I firmly believe getting a former MVP on a dirt cheap one-year deal would just make the Steelers that much more challenging to play against.
But what do you think? If you were the Steelers GM and could bring in Cam Newton on a 1 year, 2 million dollar deal, would you do it? Let us know in the comments below...