The Carolina Panthers have released quarterback Cam Newton, allowing the veteran to sign with another team.
Newton was drafted first overall by the Panthers in 2011 and has been the team's starting QB when healthy for nine seasons. But his trouble staying on the field led the team to sign Teddy Bridgewater. According to ESPN Stats & Information, Newton is the ninth former No. 1 overall pick to be released/cut by the team that drafted him over the past 25 seasons (joining JaMarcus Russell, David Carr, Michael Vick, Courtney Brown, Ki-Jana Carter, Tim Couch, Peyton Manning and Orlando Pace).
So where will Newton play in 2020? Our panel of NFL experts is back to weigh in on which teams should sign the former league MVP, and where he ranks among other quarterbacks potentially available to franchises still in need of a signal-caller.
Which team should try to sign Newton?
Matt Bowen, NFL analyst: Los Angeles Chargers. Signing Newton would allow the Chargers to open up the quarterback competition with veteran Tyrod Taylor. And the fit is there too. With the Chargers' proven pass-catchers, Newton could upgrade their offense with his dual-threat ability.
Mike Clay, fantasy writer: Los Angeles Chargers. Especially after signing Chris Harris Jr. and Linval Joseph, the Chargers have one of the league's top defenses. They also have pretty good offensive weapons in Austin Ekeler, Keenan Allen, Mike Williams and Hunter Henry. The elephant in the room is, of course, quarterback. It's a long shot that Taylor -- a backup throughout most of his career -- is good enough to make this team a true AFC contender, so taking a shot on a former MVP in Newton makes a ton of sense.
Jeremy Fowler, national NFL writer: Los Angeles Chargers. It feels like they aren't done at quarterback, despite being content with Taylor. The Chargers have downfield weapons and need an established quarterback to properly utilize them. Coach Anthony Lynn is prioritizing ball security after last season's turnover issues, and Newton isn't careless with the ball, throwing a reasonable 108 interceptions since 2011. So it's either the Chargers, or maybe we'll see Bill Belichick get weird with Newton in New England.
Dan Graziano, national NFL writer: Buffalo Bills. Of all the young quarterbacks, the one who most closely resembles Newton's skill set is Josh Allen. Bills GM Brandon Beane, who was part of the Carolina front office when the Panthers drafted Newton, has made the comparison publicly. With the way they use Allen in the run game, Newton could sub right in for him at a moment's notice if Allen were to get injured. And with the Bills poised to build on last season's playoff appearance, he gives them an experienced option if Allen's development hits a speed bump and they need an in-season upgrade.
Aaron Schatz, editor of Football Outsiders: New England Patriots. A healthy Cam Newton would be a massive upgrade over Jarrett Stidham and Brian Hoyer, and the AFC East is still there for the taking.
Kevin Seifert, national NFL writer: Los Angeles Chargers. There have been suggestions that the Chargers are poised to enter the season with Taylor as their starter, but I'd like to see how an honest competition between Taylor and Newton would turn out.
Field Yates, NFL analyst: Jacksonville Jaguars. But before we can address that, we need to recognize that this is very much dependent upon economics. There may not be a single team that makes sense to spend, let's say, $20 million per season on Newton right now. But if he were amenable to a more modest short-term deal, perhaps the Jaguars make some sense. While Gardner Minshew II has been installed as the starter for now, there are still some questions as to whether he is the long-term answer, and the Jaguars are otherwise thin at the spot. Again, this is a complicated decision.
Matt Hasselbeck contends that a reunion between Cam Newton and Ron Rivera in Washington is the best fit for Newton this upcoming NFL season.
Where does Newton rank among the other QBs theoretically available on the market?
Bowen: Second behind Jameis Winston -- and that's directly related to Newton's health at this time. If cleared and ready to go, Newton jumps up to No. 1 because of his ability to threaten opposing defenses outside of the pocket and on designed run concepts.
Clay: First. That, of course, is assuming it's pre-2019 Newton -- a player who can still utilize his legs as a weapon, as opposed to being stuck in the pocket like he was early last season. Prior to his injury late in 2018, Newton showed he still had plenty left in the tank, easily setting a career high in completion percentage (68%), adding 488 yards with his legs and leading the Carolina offense to two-plus touchdowns in every game.
Fowler: Probably third behind Andy Dalton and Winston, thanks in part to his extensive injury history. Questions persisted about the strength in his throwing shoulder well before he underwent Lisfranc surgery. And teams' inability to evaluate Newton medically could dissuade some suitors. But he's the only player on the list with an MVP award, and that carries weight.
Graziano: Second behind Winston just because of the health questions. If he were healthy, he'd be No. 1. But Winston gets the edge for me because of upside, age and health.
Schatz: First. It's unfortunate for Newton that no team can really do a proper physical right now, but if healthy, he's the No. 1 player currently on the market at any position.
Seifert: First if he's healthy and TBD if he's not. There was no trade market because no one knows how Newton's relatively serious December foot surgery has turned out. It was clear last season that he couldn't perform well with the injury. If the surgery doesn't work -- unlikely but possible -- he won't be a good player at this stage in his career.
Yates: Second. He is unquestionably the most talented, but I'd say second behind Dalton because of the significant question marks surrounding his health. And the impact the coronavirus is having on teams' ability to gather medical information only complicates matters.