Cam Newton is in the midst of trying to find his way back into the NFL. Late last month, after spending a year out of the league, Newton launched his comeback attempt at Auburn’s Pro Day — complete with his trademark weird font.
But while he clearly still had great arm strength, finding a new gig doesn’t appear to be going too well for Newton. Otherwise, why would he pivot to sharing who’d be willing to back up? Sure, he might be keeping his options open as a professional, but these are also public messages executives will, theoretically, watch.
Newton knows what he’s doing:
Cam Newton puts out a manifesto of the QBs he is willing to be a backup for. pic.twitter.com/GnsCbLEnKv
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) April 6, 2023
So, yes, Newton is willing to be someone’s backup (as if he has a choice if he wants to be in the NFL again), and here are the names he listed as his “choices”:
- Justin Fields
- Lamar Jackson
- Josh Allen
- Jalen Hurts
- Aaron Rodgers
- Deshaun Watson
- Sam Howell
- Malik Willis
- Tua Tagovailoa
- Bryce Young
- C.J. Stroud
- Anthony Richardson
What an eclectic list of established superstars, rising names, pending rookies, and otherwise, for now … complete afterthoughts. Because, on the one hand, he’d seemingly love to play second fiddle to someone great like Jackson. On the other, Sam Howell, really? Are we sure Newton doesn’t just want his job?
NFL fans on Twitter reacted in confusion to the starters Newton shared he’d like to back up.
This video is pretty wild lol ….the entire list is of QB’s who have a higher probability of getting injured due to play style or rookie/young QB’s that can get benched for performance https://t.co/wPCN67fuIM
— MeRk (@Merk256) April 6, 2023
Most of the guys on this list, he might be able to beat out in camp.
Cam playing chess lol https://t.co/Yxk3UtX9f1
— Tucker Perkins (@tucker_perkins) April 6, 2023
man started his list with Deshaun Watson and doesn't have Burrow or Mahomes on it.
He's never playing in the NFL again https://t.co/NhcbWUUJhc
— UncleChewy🎯 (@UncleChewy_) April 6, 2023
If you’re willing to be a backup—and to do so on teams you’ve got no chance of ever taking the job—why wouldn’t you be willing to be a backup to the guy who is going to give you the best shot at adding rings? 🤔 https://t.co/ILh1flQKW0
— RHH & BTB Keas (@YaBoiKeas) April 6, 2023
I think it’s crazy @Ravens didn’t sign him yet the point regardless is you can still win with @CameronNewton https://t.co/kvQ9r1eVbu
— Jamal Cooper (@kingjayellc) April 6, 2023
100% of his list is C1N products and all potential starters or he influenced in some type of way that’s insane my boy ain’t gotta job https://t.co/CsUj4L9N4r
— Mont (@StayLoyal_mont) April 6, 2023
A healthy Cam Newton is the 18th/19th best QB in the league he is absolutely not wrong and if he’s willing to be a mentor to a young guy I can’t see why you would say no. The guy is a former MVP and took the Panthers to the SB which was the last time they were RELEVANT. https://t.co/FwsL3hvady
— Jerry (@Jaraxsal) April 6, 2023
He’d be a great backup for all of these guys! They already look up to him and admire him. https://t.co/t1MUtvNWgB
— Neighbor-Hood Husky (@HoodHusky) April 6, 2023
