Former NFL MVP Cam Newton remains a free agent weeks after the Carolina Panthers released him. At this point, there’s no telling when Newton will latch on with another team.
Interest in the injury-plagued 30-year-old quarterback has been non-existent. He’s highly unlikely to sin with a team as an unquestioned starter.
However, there’s some good news on this front. Jacksonville Jaguars star running back Leonard Fournette is lobbying for his team to sign Newton and compete with young quarterback Gardner Minshew for the starting job.
“Cam went to the Super Bowl. He’s a great guy. I’ve been knowing Cam for a minute now. And like I told some people that talked to me, it’s no disrespect to (Gardner Minshew). I’m just trying to get in the best position as a team as we can to win,” Fournette said on ESPN’s First Take. “That’s all that was about. Just friendly competition ’cause that brings out the best in people.”
Minshew is the presumptive starter in Jacksonville after a tremendous rookie season and following the trade of Nick Foles to the Chicago Bears.
Would signing Newton change that? No. As Fournette notes, it would create more competition in Duval as the 2020 season approaches.
Newton played in just two games for the Panthers last season before suffering a Lisfranc injury. He lost his final eight starts as a member of the team and has dealt with a plethora of injuries in recent seasons. At this point, the situation in Jacksonville might be the best Newton can hope for.