“I never asked for it!-“Cam Newton looks set to spend some time in free agency

With Jameis Winston signing with New Orleans Saints, the only big-name free-agent quarterback is Cam Newton. As per NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, he wishes to be a starter in the upcoming NFL season. However, it seems unlikely as teams already have their starting quarterbacks in place.

Cam Newton unlikely to secure a starting role soon

The 2015 NFL MVP has struggled with injuries in the last couple of seasons. He was part of the injury reserve list last season. His time at Carolina seemed done when ‘The Panthers’ signed Teddy Bridgewater. 

Newton has made it clear that he wanted to stay at the Bank of America Stadium. He even put out an Instagram post saying “I never asked for it!! Please do not try and play me or manipulate the narrative and act like I wanted this: You forced me into this.”

One can’t blame the side though as they were no doubt concerned by Newton’s injuries as he started just twice last season.  The shoulder injury from 2 seasons back and last season’s Lisfranc fracture will play on the minds of other teams too.

The Coronavirus pandemic too hasn’t helped the 30-year-old. This is because teams are reluctant to sign him without an in-person medical examination. 

Ian Rapoport also reported that Chicago Bears and Los Angeles Chargers were potential trade destinations for the 2011 top draft pick. However, there was no interest shown which paved the way for his free agency. 

It seems likely to continue for a while until another quarterback is injured. However, if he agrees to a backup role akin to Jameis Winston he could find a suitor soon after the NFL activities resume in earnest. 

The New England Patriots didn’t draft a single quarterback. They seem to be backing Jarret Stidham to fill the void left by Tom Brady’s departure and have 3 options as backups. The Athletic’s Jeff Howe poured cold water on speculations of Newton heading to The Patriots. 

Will Cam Newton be a starter in 2020? Or will he accept a backup role akin to Jameis Winston and prove himself in bursts?