Dallas Cowboys Rumors: Cam Newton On Team’s Radar After Cutting Quarterbacks From 2021 Roster

The Dallas Cowboys cut their quarterback room in half Tuesday, just around the same time that the New England Patriots released Cam Newton. With Dallas in need of depth behind Dak Prescott and Newton in search of a job, it appears there’s at least a chance that the two sides could come to an agreement for the 2021 NFL season.

The Cowboys released quarterbacks Garrett Gilbert and Ben DiNucci. Gilbert started three of Dallas’ 2021 preseason games, and he got the nod for the Cowboys in the team’s Week 9 loss against the Pittsburgh Steelers last season. DiNucci also made a start in place of the injured Prescott during the 2020 season, going 21-40 for 180 yards in a 23-9 loss against the Philadelphia Eagles.

That leaves Cooper Rush as the only quarterback on the depth chart behind Prescott. Rush joined Dallas as an undrafted free agent in 2017 and has attempted just three career passes in the regular season.

The Cowboys will “begin exploring Cam Newton” as a possible backup, according to ESPN’s Jordan Schultz.

I expect the #Cowboys will fully evaluate Cam Newton and whether he improves their chances to win just as they do all available veteran players. His vaccination status will surely be part of the discussion since he just missed five days.
— Ed Werder (@WerderEdESPN) August 31, 2021

Re: Cam Newton

I’m told the #Cowboys aren’t ruling him out "at the moment", but the accurate framing would be he'll be evaluated/discussed "in the same breath" as other QBs the team is doing work on -- NOT prioritized above anyone.

And yes, vaxx is a talking point there.
— Patrik [No C] Walker (@VoiceOfTheStar) August 31, 2021

Maybe the Cowboys' disappointing 2020 campaign will force them to strongly think about pursuing Newton. Prescott was limited to five games because of an ankle injury, and Dallas’ backups posted a 4-7 record. The Cowboys finished a game out of first place.

Had Newton been Prescott’s backup last season, Dallas might’ve won a weak NFC East.

Prescott didn’t play in the preseason as he dealt with a shoulder strain. He’s expected to start in Week 1 for the Cowboys for the sixth straight season.

Newton struggled as a passer last season, averaging just 177.1 yards in the air per game with eight passing touchdowns and 10 interceptions. The former NFL MVP ran for 12 scores and went 7-8 as New England’s starter.

Mac Jones was the Patriots’ best quarterback in the preseason. Newton had been considered the heavy favorite to start over the rookie for New England in Week 1.

It’s unclear if Newton wants to sign with a team like Dallas that has such an established starter.