Cam Newton Rumors: Seattle Seahawks, Denver Broncos Are Realistic Destinations For Quarterback

Cam Newton has been linked to the same handful of teams since he was released by the Carolina Panthers in March. Still unsigned two months later, the quarterback seems more likely than ever to wind up with a dark-horse suitor.

The Los Angeles Chargers passed on the veteran, opting to draft Justin Herbert sixth overall with Tyrod Taylor favored to start in Week 1. The New England Patriots appear committed to Jarrett Stidham. The Jacksonville Jaguars have been considered a top potential landing spot for Newton, but there’s no indication that the team is interested in Newton.

Maybe Newton will sign with a team that has an established starter. That’s what Andy Dalton and Jameis Winston did.

Dalton signed with the Dallas Cowboys, where he has no chance to replace Dak Prescott. Winston joined the New Orleans Saints, for whom Drew Brees will be the top quarterback in the 2020 NFL season.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been viewed as a possible fit for Newton. Ben Roethlisberger is still the team’s starter, though he could be heading toward the end of his career at 38 years old and fresh off a season-ending injury. Pittsburgh general manager Kevin Colbert has said the Steelers are comfortable with Mason Rudolph and Devlin Hodges as the backup signal callers.

Could the Seattle Seahawks make sense for Newton? ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler said last week that the Seahawks would be open to adding the 2015 NFL MVP, but not at a high price.

FanDuel Sportsbook gives Seattle +500 odds to sign Newton, tying them for third on the list of possible destinations. The Patriots and Denver Broncos also have +500 odds to acquire Newton.

Denver is ready to hand the reins over to Drew Lock, who went 4-1 as a starter for the Broncos as a rookie. Denver’s 2019 second-round draft pick sits atop the team’s depth chart without a reliable backup. Jeff Driskel is the No.2 signal caller after posting a 75.3 passer rating in three games with the Detroit Lions last year.

Newton turned 31 years old on May 11. He was limited to two games in 2019 because of a season-ending foot injury.

Newton had 3,395 passing yards, 24 passing touchdowns, 13 interceptions and a 94.2 passer rating in 14 starts two seasons ago.