Evaluating Cam Newton’s Backup QB List: What Each Situation Would Mean For The Former Star

Free agent quarterback Cam Newton may still be hesitant to the idea, but after a season out of the league, the former star passer is reportedly considering roles as a backup quarterback in the NFL. Newton released a list of 12 quarterbacks he would be willing to play behind.

While none of the teams with quarterbacks on the list have expressed legitimate interest in signing Newton, who last played for the Carolina Panthers in 2021, it is still interesting to consider the incentive each potential team might have for signing the aging quarterback. To find a way back to the NFL, Newton would have to serve each of his 12 preferred passers in different ways.

1. Deshaun Watson

As a highly touted quarterback slowly readjusting to competition in the NFL, Watson’s struggles in his first season with the Browns are difficult to assess. Due to glaring incidents in Watson’s personal life, his future as a member of the Houston Texans was derailed and Cleveland took a flyer on him under the assumption that he could be valuable following his suspension. As his backup, Newton would have to prove himself to be a viable contingency option if the problematic starter fails to regain form next season or runs into more trouble off the field. With Jacoby Brissett out of the picture, Newton would have to compete with recent signee Joshua Dobbs for the backup role.

2. Lamar Jackson

Jackson is the first of many quarterbacks on this list with an uncertain future, as it is still unclear if the Baltimore Ravens will agree to his terms for a new contract or trade him to another team. In any case, the team that eventually signs Jackson will have to build an offense around his rushing ability. Newton was a mobile quarterback in his younger years, but if he had to take the field for some reason to replace the starter, it is unlikely that he could still be as threatening on the ground. His primary purpose as a backup in this scenario would likely be as a positive locker room presence for a growing player.

3. Justin Fields

Unlike Jackson, Fields is almost certain to remain in Chicago after the team traded its first overall pick to the Panthers. Similarly to Jackson, however, the team’s offense will likely revolve around his versatile ability as a rusher. Newton seems to believe that he can serve as a viable backup within that sort of offense, a dubious notion at this point in his career. That being said, his experience in the league could prove helpful in teaching a younger talent with a similar skill set. The Bears recently signed P.J. Walker for the job behind Fields.

4. Tua Tagovailoa

While injury risks are an issue for both Jackson and Fields, it is practically imperative that Tagovailoa have a serviceable backup after his multiple setbacks last season. If Newton was the backup in Miami, it is unfortunately more likely than not that he would receive some playing time based on the starter’s injury history. The Dolphins still have Skylar Thompson, who nearly led the team to an upset victory against the Bills in the playoffs, and also signed former Jets backup Mike White.

5. Malik Willis

Of all the quarterbacks on Newton’s list, Willis is arguably the strangest, as he could end up a backup himself if the Tennessee Titans don’t trade Ryan Tannehill or pursue other options at the position. Willis’ rookie season was limited but also profoundly disappointing, as the quarterback showed very little during his time on the field. If Newton was the backup behind Willis, he would have to serve in a mentoring role, but there would also be a distinct possibility of playing time for the backup if Willis didn’t improve.

6, 7 and 8. C.J. Stroud, Bryce Young and Anthony Richardson

Newton clearly wants to work with young quarterbacks. Because they have not yet been drafted to a team, it’s almost impossible to assess whether Newton could feasibly serve as the backup for any of these highly touted passers. That being said, his status as a Heisman winner and first overall pick in 2011 could make him an excellent mentor for any of them, particularly Richardson, who has mirrored Newton in many ways as a tremendous college athlete. Richardson even compared himself to Newton in March.

9. Jalen Hurts

Barring an unforeseen injury, it is unlikely that Newton would ever see the field in a significant capacity while working behind Hurts. The Eagles also signed Marcus Mariota during the offseason as a backup. Hurts is still developing as a passer, but after appearing in a Super Bowl, it is unlikely that Hurts would significantly benefit from Newton as a locker room presence.

10. Aaron Rodgers

Rodgers is still unofficially a New York Jet and officially a member of the Green Bay Packers. Regardless of where he ends up playing in 2023, it is very difficult to understand how Newton could serve as a contributive presence on a team featuring Rodgers, who famously has a very controlling locker room presence. As a player, Newton would only be of service if Rodgers regressed suddenly with age, and it would be more prudent for a team to have a younger quarterback ready in that case.

11. Josh Allen

Allen is good at football and the Bills will be a Super Bowl contender for years to come. His potent arm and physical rushing ability resemble Newton’s at his peak as well, so it makes sense why Newton might want to take a job behind him in upstate New York. The Bills also lack a credible backup option for their star, who has proven highly durable thus far but could always suffer an unforeseen injury. Of all the possible landing spots on Newton’s list, this one has the least drawbacks.

12. Sam Howell

As one of the most vulnerable starters in the NFL, Howell could provide a very convenient way for Newton to return to the field as a starter. Howell only appeared in one game for the Washington Commanders last year and enters his second season on a team without any serious prospects of making the postseason. Washington has already signed Brissett as a capable backup in case things go awry for the young upstart. Newton would have served a nearly identical role, but his potential is far more uncertain than Brissett’s, who started in Cleveland for most of last season.