Yes, We Cam? Ravens Named Potential Landing Spot For Newton in Comeback Attempt
As the saga surrounding the Baltimore Ravens quarterback situation continues to unfold, a former NFL MVP appears to be gearing up for a potential return to the gridiron.
Quarterback Cam Newton, who played his last NFL down in 2021, participated in Auburn's Pro Day Tuesday, arguing this week that there aren't 32 NFL QBs currently "better than me."
According to CBS Sports, the Ravens may be a potential landing spot for the soon-to-be 34-year-old -- especially given the uncertainty surrounding the future of incumbent starter Lamar Jackson.
"Lamar Jackson is technically under team control, but where do he and the front office actually stand? Barring a sudden breakthrough in long-term contract talks, Jackson feels destined for a whirlwind of a 2023 season, either in Baltimore or elsewhere. Newton could function as a similarly run-heavy weapon either in relief of Jackson or in place of him as a last-gasp stopgap, even if Tyler Huntley -- also a free agent -- returns as well."
Based on some early evidence, Newton looks to still be in optimal playing shape.
When healthy, Newton was a bonafide star at the position for the Panthers. During his time in Carolina, he posted at least 3,000 passing yards and 300 rushing yards each season from 2011 to 2018. He won the NFL MVP award in 2015 when he threw a career-high 35 touchdown passes while leading the Panthers to a 15-1 record and a trip to the Super Bowl.
After being released by the Panthers in the spring of 2020, Newton signed with the Patriots. He started 15 games in the first Pats’ season with a losing record since 2000. He completed 65.8% of his passes for 2,657 yards with eight touchdowns and 10 interceptions (82.9 rating).
Newton rushed for 592 yards, adding value with his legs instead of his arm, and scored 12 rushing touchdowns in 2020, the most by any quarterback in the league. He also set the Patriots' record for most rushing attempts (137) and rushing yards (592) in a season.
Despite the expectation that he would once again secure the starting job in New England, the Patriots decided to install rookie Mac Jones as the team’s first option at the position. As a result, the 32-year-old was released during the final roster cuts.
In November that same year, Newton signed a one-year deal to return to the Carolina Panthers following an injury to starting quarterback Sam Darnold.
Newton played in eight games for Carolina, finishing the season with 684 passing yards, four passing touchdowns, five interceptions, 230 rushing yards, and five rushing touchdowns in eight games.
All of his five starts resulted in losses.
Though Newton's days as a high-level passer have long since passed, his athleticism and rushing ability might make him a potential option for a quarterback-needy team.
Should Jackson choose to continue his pro football journey elsewhere, Baltimore may find themselves intrigued by his services ... provided he is willing to share the positional duties at a modest salary.
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