Cam Newton remains a free agent nearly two months after being released by the Carolina Panthers. While the former NFL MVP hasn’t generated much interest since then, a new favorite has now emerged to sign Newton.
Despite NFL teams having a few significant concerns with Newton, issues that can’t be addressed with team facilities closed due to the health crisis, Newton remains a viable starter capable of helping a team make the playoffs. Given the 30-year-old’s desire to start wherever he signs, a new team is now the favorite to land him.
According to the latest odds from Bovada, the Jacksonville Jaguars are now favorite to sign Newton. Just weeks after the team’s star running back campaigned for them to sign Newton, Jacksonville is now viewed as Newton’s likely destination. Given the Jaguars’ strong belief in Gardner Minshew, though, the other candidates look just as interesting.
- Jacksonville Jaguars – -190
- New England Patriots – +250
- Washington redskins – +375
- Pittsburgh Steelers – +575
- Denver Broncos – +1000
The Patriots’ odds are starting to drop with increasing reports that the former All-Pro quarterback isn’t on their radar. While he could make the Patriots a contender in the AFC, Bill Belichick is very high on Jarrett Stidham and believes New England can win quickly with the young quarterback.
While the Patriots are now unlikely to sign Newton, there is an increasing chance he could reunite with Ron Rivera in Washington. Rivera didn’t close the door on potentially bringing in his former star quarterback in Carolina and Newton certainly has the talent to beat Dwyane Haskins for the starting job.
Notably, the Steelers’ odds of signing Newton also increased. While Ben Roethlisberger is expected to be ready in Week 1, bringing in a viable quarterback behind him would be a smart plan. Although, Newton would need to accept being a backup and that’s something he is against right now.
There is no denying that Newton is a gifted player and deserves to be a starting quarterback in 2020. Until he can prove he is healthy, which can’t happen until team facilities open and he can be examined, he’ll likely remain a free agent.