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5 reasons Cam Newton does not make sense for Ron Rivera and Washington

NFL Week 14: Cam Newton, New England Patriots
Sep 27, 2020; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Cam Newton (1) celebrates after a touchdown scored by defensive end Deatrich Wise (not seen) against the Las Vegas Raiders during the fourth quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports

There have been rumors circulating recently about how the New England Patriots consider the Washington Football Team a threat to sign Cam Newton. It makes all the sense in the world. Newton is showing the world he is still a high-caliber quarterback after signing a one-year deal with New England.

Washington’s head coach Ron Rivera led Newton in Carolina. They also helped one another to a Super Bowl appearance. However, towards the end of both of their tenures, they did not seem like a good match anymore. Newton was battling through injuries, and the offense seemed to become stagnant after their Super Bowl 50 appearance.

They were the first team in NFL history to go 15-1 one season and have a losing record the next season. Newton and Rivera did not seem like a good fit. This is why Carolina moved on from both of them.

Washington is in a rebuild, but still contending for a playoff spot with the NFC East wide open. If Washington makes the playoffs or comes close to it, the team might be tempted to sign Newton in an attempt take the next step. Here are five reasons why Washington should not sign Cam Newton following the 2020 NFL season.

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It did not work in Carolina and it will not work in Washington

One of the most-overlooked aspects of the Washington coaching overhaul is that Ron Rivera basically replaced the Washington coaching staff with his old Carolina coaching staff. Rivera’s strategy of hiring familiar faces has its pros and cons.

The pros include allowing Rivera to have confidence and trust in his coaching staff while establishing stability. However, the cons include Carolina struggling during his final few seasons with the franchise. Why would it work in Washington?

Washington bringing in Cam Newton would be a fantastic move if the team’s coach wasn’t Ron Rivera. He tried once, and Washington cannot afford another failed attempt.

Washington making the playoffs will provide false hope

Sitting at 1-5, Washington is still somehow in the running to win the NFC East. Washington making the playoffs will be a tremendous step in the right direction, and it will be a breath of fresh air for fans in D.C.

However, Rivera and the front office need to have perspective. They are not going to get anywhere with Kyle Allen under center. Washington can make the playoffs by the skin of its teeth, but the team won’t become a legitimate contender with Allen. His Week 6 performance against the Giants says enough.

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It will be tempting for Washington to sign a great quarterback like Newton. Newton will win football games for Washington and he might be a short-term answer, but Washington needs stability. Said stability comes from a long-term answer at quarterback.

This is not the first time Washington seeks answers in free agency

Washington has been known to force big-name splashes in free agency. Whether it was Albert Haynesworth, Adam Archuleta or even Josh Norman, owner Dan Snyder always craved big-time names at the end of their careers.

Related: Worst NFL free agent signings of the past 20 years

Newton has shown he has a lot left in the tank, but he is benefiting by being a part of the New England Patriots. The Patriots have talent, experience and a winning mentality. Rivera is trying to build that, and Newton might not find the same success on a rebuilding team.

This will be Rivera’s first real offseason, and as every winning team shows, the key to success is building through the draft with free agency as a compliment.

The 2021 NFL Draft QB class is talented and deep

Depending on Washington’s record, it will have a plethora of quarterbacks to choose from. Trevor Lawerence, Justin Fields and Trey Lance are the big-name quarterbacks in the 2021 draft. Washington might be able to have its choice at any of these players.

Even if Washington does not finish in the top-five of the draft, the team still can draft a quarterback in the later rounds. Washington found success with Cousins in the fourth round, and might be able to find that same success again.

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Washington needs to focus on other areas besides quarterback

Rightfully so, Cam Newton is going to demand a big contract. Washington can’t afford to spend big on a quarterback. The front office did not do it with Cousins, and it shouldn’t do it now. Newton’s contract won’t be like Cousins, but Washington can spread the wealth at other positions.

Washington needs help on the offensive line. No matter who the quarterback is, the offensive line is crucial. The team also needs help in the secondary and needs to get other weapons outside of Terry McLaurin.

Washington needs to become a more balanced team before the team focuses on who their quarterback is going to be.

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