Could Cam Newton Return to the NFL? Which Teams Could Sign Him?

Cam Newton reintroduced himself during Auburn's Pro Day by throwing to some prospects for the 2023 NFL Draft. Did he do enough to complete an NFL comeback? If so, which teams could benefit from his services?

Cam Newton’s appearance at Auburn’s Pro Day is an act of love.

He showed love to his younger brother, Caylin, who is trying to enter the NFL as a wide receiver. It was Caylin’s idea to have Cam throw balls at him in the school where he gained national prominence. The older Newton spent just one season with the Tigers, which was enough to make him the top overall selection in the 2011 NFL Draft. Aside from winning the BCS National Championship in 2010, he also won the Heisman Trophy and the AP College Football Player of the Year.

But he also showed his undying love for football, hoping to end a successful NFL career on his terms. He didn’t have to do that act because he was a former NFL Most Valuable Player. However, he wanted to prove that he could still play at a high level. It’s a great platform, too, given that scouts from all NFL teams were closely assessing prospects for the 2023 NFL Draft. Tom Green of AL.com shared that Newton completed 28 of 34 passes and had 15 consecutive completions at one point.

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The question now is if any NFL team will show him some love. Will anyone from the representatives present at the Woltosz Football Performance Center report to their general manager that the one-time All-Pro can be an asset for their squad? The memory of him struggling to master Bill Belichick’s playbook and losing all five games as the starter for the Carolina Panthers in 2021 is still fresh in everyone’s minds. Accuracy has also been an issue over his last few seasons.

Therefore, love sometimes requires telling the bitter truth. He might be right in saying there are no 32 quarterbacks better than him. But he has to love his body, given the long list of injuries he’s had throughout his ten-year NFL career. Likewise, Pro Days are controlled activities wherein the defense is non-existent. Newton manifested the scrambling ability that enabled him to collect 75 rushing touchdowns, the most for NFL quarterbacks. But can he deliver the same throws when an edge rusher comes for him?

It's not that his tank is empty, in any case. Given the right expectations and environment, he can still help a team win as he turns 34 in May. If he loves himself, Newton must accept that he won’t be the leading man anymore. However, a reduced role doesn’t mean he is unimportant. His wisdom, experience, and skill set will be a huge plus for these teams should they consider signing the three-time Pro Bowler.

Baltimore Ravens

The long-term contract negotiation between the Ravens and Lamar Jackson remains a stalemate. The team offered the quarterback a non-exclusive franchise tag that other teams could match. Newton can slot in as a dual threat like Jackson if he leaves. He fits well in Baltimore’s run-heavy attack and could be the starter if Tyler Huntley also goes. If Jackson stays, he will have a reliable backup in Newton, who could end up starting some games because of the 2019 MVP’s injury concerns.

Las Vegas Raiders

Jimmy Garoppolo can help any team win if he’s healthy. Unfortunately, that’s where the problem lies. He last completed an entire regular season in 2019 and played in only 11 games in 2022. Newton is a fantastic alternative if Garoppolo misses some time because of his familiarity with Josh McDaniels’ system. He can have another shot at running that scheme and be a bridge quarterback for a franchise that will try to look for their long-term option starting in 2024.

Tennessee Titans

Newton will fit the Titans’ run-first approach with Derrick Henry. Likewise, the team might move away from Ryan Tannehill after the 2023 season. Malik Willis will be the starter if the veteran play-caller leaves. When that scenario happens, Newton can mentor the young quarterback who plays like him. He can also take over if the lights are too bright for Willis. But after the reports about trade talks for Henry, the Titans might try a different approach on offense.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Newton can affect both the passing and the running game of a team with a shallow depth chart at quarterback and wide receiver. He can compete with Kyle Trask and Baker Mayfield for the starting role behind the center. Likewise, Leonard Fournette’s departure leaves a big void in the Tampa Bay backfield. His ability to make plays out of the pocket can give Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and Russell Gage the edge to run their routes and complete passing plays.

Kansas City Chiefs

Chad Henne has retired, and Patrick Mahomes has had some health concerns. Luckily for the Chiefs, Mahomes endured an ankle injury while leading the team to victory in Super Bowl LVII. But a team with legitimate championship aspirations must have an able backup, especially if Mahomes has to miss games. It’s uncertain if Shane Buechele and Chris Oladokun can step up to the plate. However, Newton must learn Andy Reid’s trick-heavy offense.

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