The Patriots shocked the NFL when they released Cam Newton on cut-down day, handing rookie Mac Jones the starting job. Many thought the former NFL MVP was the clubhouse leader to start for New England, and after his release it was speculated that he would quickly land a backup job elsewhere.
But according to reports, that may not materialize as soon as expected – if at all. NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport appeared on “NFL Now” on Thursday and suggested teams may not be lining up for the 32-year-old’s services.
“Unless I’m missing something, I really don’t see a landing spot,” Rapaport said. “You would also say, do you want Cam Newton, who has been a megastar, someone who is magnetic in the locker room … do you want him as a backup quarterback?
“I am not sure where Cam Newton gets a job, and I am not sure if Cam Newton gets a job.”
Newton was speculated to be in the running for the Cowboys backup job after the team waived both Ben DiNucci and Garrett Gilbert, leaving Cooper Rush as their only signal caller behind Dak Prescott. The team instead signed Will Grier, who was released by the Panthers.
Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy was asked about Newton, and was non-committal.
“I think he has a ton of football left. We’re very excited about the group we have,” McCarthy told USA Today.
Rapoport mentioned Newton’s status in the league as a reason teams may be hesitant to sign him as a backup.
“Sometimes you don’t want a backup quarterback to overpower or over-star the starter. That may happen with Cam Newton,” Rapaport said. “This is a guy who a lot of the players in the locker room grew up worshipping.”
Newton is also unvaccinated, and was forced to miss several days of Patriots practice due to COVID-19 protocol after leaving New England to take a COVID test. With much stricter protocols in place for unvaccinated players, it’s another thing for teams to unofficially consider.