Ravens Named 'Potential Landing Spot' For Cam Newton

If and when one MVP falls under center ... could another take his place? That could be the case for the Baltimore Ravens, whose Lamar Jackson odyssey threatens to extend deeper into the spring.

With many believing that Jackson will find a way out or sit out of any season that'll force him to play on a franchise tag, the idea of Cam Newton making his way to Charm City might've taken a hit. The veteran and 2015 MVP Newton, energized by a strong showing at his alma mater Auburn's pro day, recently unveiled a list of 12 quarterbacks he'd be willing to back up as he seeks an NFL return and the similarly-skilled Jackson was near the top. Newton is looking to resume his professional career, after injuries ended his run at or near the top of the league's quarterback lists with the Carolina Panthers and last played eight games with his original employers in 2021 after a failed starter's stint in New England.

A new list from the Draft Network, however, encourages such a union, reasoning that the Ravens could keep their status quo of contention with the Valuable duo working together.

"The best possible outcome for both parties includes a short-term extension that keeps Jackson in Baltimore. The Ravens aren’t going to acquire a better quarterback than Jackson," Justin Melo writes. "Part of Jackson’s slow-developing market has been due to a recent string of injuries."

"Jackson missed a combined 10 contests across 2021 and 2022. If Jackson returns to Baltimore, the Ravens need a better backup plan given his recent trend. Tyler Huntley isn’t guaranteed to return next season as of now, and Newton is capable of operating Jackson’s run-heavy offense."

Joining Baltimore on the list are the Miami Dolphins (similarly cursed with a potent yet oft-injured dual threat in Tua Tagovailoa) and the Ravens' divisional rivals in Cleveland.

In their respective heydays, both Jackson and Newton proved capable of game-changing plays both through the air and on the ground. One of the reasons Baltimore is so reluctant to ink Jackson to a long-term deal despite his packed resume is his health, but that could be resolved with a better backup plan: between Huntley, Anthony Brown, and Josh Johnson, the Ravens are 3-8 in Jackson-less games, including their playoff cameo in Cincinnati in January.

Whether Newton is capable of competing in a full-speed NFL setting remains to be seen, even with his sizable confidence. But if his professional is going to continue, he could do far worse than a Ravens group built for dual-threat talents.

Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags

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