Cam Newton Drops A Compelling List Of Quarterbacks He’s Willing To Backup

Cam Newton still wants to play football in the NFL, and he’s willing to be a backup. The 2015 NFL MVP made this clear on Wednesday in a candid video on his YouTube channel.

Newton garnered national attention last month when he participated in Auburn’s Pro Day after saying, “there ain’t 32 quarterbacks better than me,” in another YouTube video.

Newton expressed a desire to dispel the potential concerns NFL teams may have about him, and to “control his own narrative.” In the video, Newton named the following quarterbacks he’d be willing to back up:

• Deshaun Watson, Cleveland Browns
• Lamar Jackson, wherever he lands
• Justin Fields, Chicago Bears
• Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins
• Malik Willis, Tennessee Titans
• CJ Stroud – incoming rookie
• Bryce Young – incoming rookie
• Anthony Richardson – incoming rookie
• Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles
• Aaron Rodgers, wherever he lands
• Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills
• Sam Howell, Washington Commanders

Here is a look at the video. Newton starts his list around 4:25 mark.

Newton spoke specifically about some of his choices. He called out his connection to Watson (in acknowledgment of the Browns’ star uphill battle to repair his image), Fields, Willis and Howell’s link to his successful 7-on-7 program.

Newton also mentioned his familiarity with the Buffalo Bills’ offensive brain trust as a reason for the attraction to a spot behind Allen.

Is Newton only interested in a backup role?

No, according to the video, Newton is willing to play for a variety of teams in the NFL, but in some of the other situations, he feels he has an opportunity to compete for the starting job.

While competing for a job seems to be a part of his vision, most of the interview seemed to be focused on Newton’s desire to be a mentor for a younger quarterback.

The 33-year-old veteran made it clear, some very strong quarterbacks weren’t mentioned on his list, but he meant no disrespect to the likes of Patrick Mahomes, whom he specifically mentioned and made reference to the Super Bowl MVP’s entrenchment in Kansas City and with the Chiefs organization. “I have so much respect for Pat,” Newton said. “That’s his city; that’s his state.”

As we move closer to the NFL Draft and the start of training camps, Newton appears to be ramping up his push toward continuing his NFL career.

In 2020, Newton led the New England Patriots to a 7-8 record and the team missed the playoffs in its first post-Tom-Brady season. The Patriots chose to go with then-rookie Mac Jones ahead of the 2021 season, and released Newton after the final preseason game.

Newton returned to the Carolina Panthers for 8 games in 2021. He started five contests but Carolina lost all of those games. Newton didn’t have a team throughout the 2022 season, and after a year out of the NFL entirely, the clock is ticking on his career.

The 2023 campaign could be Newton’s last opportunity to prove he can still be a successful NFL quarterback. We’ll see if any of the teams he mentioned, or perhaps one he didn’t, seeks to bring him in over the next few months.