News
4/6/23
2 min read
Cam Newton: 'I Never Said I Didn't Want to be a Backup'
Cam Newton is working on getting back into the NFL for the 2023 season. The former Carolina Panthers and New England Patriots quarterback went on his YouTube channel on Wednesday night to dispel rumors he wasn't willing to be a backup this coming season.
"There's a narrative out there that says Cam doesn't want to be a backup," Newton said. "I never said I didn't want to be a backup, so I'm going to take this time to explain who and what situation I would want to be a backup to and for."
Newton gave nine current quarterbacks he'd be willing to back up: Justin Fields, Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen, Deshaun Watson, Jalen Hurts, Malik Willis (not a starter), Sam Howell, Tua Tagovailoa and Aaron Rodgers, who is expected to get traded to the New York Jets this offseason.
Newton also said he'd be willing to play behind three incoming rookies in C.J. Stroud (scouting report), Bryce Young (scouting report) and Anthony Richardson (scouting report).
"There's three rookie quarterbacks that I would love or enjoy to groom," Newton said. "And what I mean by that is, there's a lot that goes into the most important position of all the sports."
The 2015 NFL MVP left some teams off his list because he felt those teams were set at backup quarterback already.
"Yes, I am 33, soon to be 34, and I do believe that I have a talent that not a lot of people have," Newton said. "But on another front, there's so much that I can provide that somebody provided for me in my overall growth."
Newton threw approximately 30 passes at Auburn's pro day on March 21 in front of NFL scouts, but he has yet to hear from any teams so far.
"This is how I feel," Newton said. "There ain't 32 guys better than me. But I also know that I could also be a backup, and I'm willing to be a backup."
Newton's last stint in the NFL came in 2021 when he started five games for the Panthers. He completed just 54.8 percent of his passes for four passing touchdowns and five interceptions, leading the Panthers to an 0-5 record. He was the Patriots' full-time starter in 2020, finishing with a 7-8 record with eight passing touchdowns and 10 interceptions.
