Cam Newton Released: Potential Landing Spots For Ex-Patriots QB In 2021

The New England Patriots shocked the NFL by releasing Cam Newton Tuesday, making the quarterback a free agent. Once the presumptive starter in New England, Newton is now available to join any team with fewer than 10 days before the start of the 2021 season.

Rookie Mac Jones was the Patriots’ best quarterback in the preseason, but Newton was more than serviceable. Newton completed 14 of 21 passes for 162 yards, one touchdown and one interception. The 32-year-old struggled as a passer in 15 games with New England last season, though he went 7-8 as a starter with 592 rushing yards and 12 scores on the ground.

Newton is certainly still good enough to be a backup quarterback, and he might be able to find his way on the field as a starter somewhere in 2021. Where is he most likely to sign?

Here’s a look at a few potential landing spots that would make sense for Newton in the upcoming season.

Houston Texans

If Newton wants a chance to start without replacing an injured quarterback, Houston probably gives him the best chance. The Texans’ quarterback situation is a mess between Deshaun Watson’s legal issues and his desire to be traded. Newton could be a better option than Tyrod Taylor, who’s on track to start for Houston after attempting just 121 passes over the last three seasons.

Indianapolis Colts

The Colts have injury concerns at quarterback with Carson Wentz still recovering from foot surgery. Wentz could potentially be ready to start the season, but there’s also no guarantee that he’ll rebound from his disastrous 2020 campaign. Indianapolis can likely compete in a weak AFC South with even average quarterback play, and Newton is probably a better option than Jacob Eason or Sam Ehlinger.

Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens might make more sense for Newton than any other NFL team. Like Lamar Jackson, Newton is a running quarterback, and could fit well in Baltimore’s scheme if the starter misses any time. When Jackson couldn’t play in Week 12 last season and left the divisional playoffs early with an injury, the Ravens scored 17 total points. Trace McSorely might be the league’s worst No. 2 quarterback.

Dallas Cowboys

Dallas’ season effectively ended in 2020 when Dak Prescott was lost for the year with an ankle injury. There’s speculation that Prescott still isn’t 100% healthy because of a shoulder injury that forced him to miss the entire preseason. The Cowboys released backups Garrett Gilbert and Ben DiNucci, leaving Cooper Rush as the only other signal caller on the roster. Dallas is favored to win the NFC East with by far the most offensive talent in the division.