NFL Rumors: Pittsburgh Steelers, Los Angeles Chargers Fit For Cam Newton

KEY POINTS

Cam Newton remains to be one of the biggest free agents in the NFL
There have been reports indicating that Cam Newton is not closed to the idea of being a backup
Teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers and Los Angeles Chargers can benefit from a quality backup quarterback

The most recent development in the Cam Newton free-agency story is that the former NFL MVP is reportedly open to a backup role. Teams that could use the services of an elite quarterback off the bench are the Pittsburgh Steelers and Los Angeles Chargers.

There have been talks lately that the Jacksonville Jaguars are one of the leading candidates to land Newton. But new reports have indicated that Newton’s camp has shown interest in playing a backup role for a new team. As reported by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Newton wants to be a starter but he’s open to being a backup in the right team.

From NFL Now: Free agent QB Cam Newton has not ruled out a backup QB job in the right situation, I'm told. He wants to be (and should be) a starter. But he's open to being a backup. pic.twitter.com/g89M6vAgyv
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 7, 2020

The current offseason has seen other teams sign quality quarterbacks for a supporting role.

One of the bigger names that have yielded to be a backup signal-caller is Andy Dalton of the Dallas Cowboys. The former Cincinnati Bengal understands his purpose and will suit up behind Dak Prescott.

A similar situation is happening in New Orleans where the Saints were able to acquire former Pro-Bowler, Jameis Winston. Winston will suit up to deepen the Saints squad led by former MVP Drew Brees.

These situations can be applied to the Steelers and the Chargers if they want to pursue someone of Newton’s caliber. Two-time Super Bowl Champion Ben Roethlisberger may need support as he spent a good portion of the 2019 season injured. Having Newton on the team can be the backup Pittsburgh needs with Roethlisberger coming off elbow surgery.

For the Chargers, they’re off to a new direction as they recently found their quarterback for the future. With the sixth overall selection of the recently concluded draft, the Chargers picked Justin Herbert from the University of Oregon. The 22-year-old could pick up a thing or two from Newton’s experience as an offensively gifted star in the league.

It’s been difficult lately for Newton to display his current physical condition is now given the global pandemic. The 2015 First-team All-Pro has been one of the biggest names in the league. It would be interesting to see if Newton yields as a backup quarterback or finds a squad willing to take him as the main signal-caller.