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Veteran quarterback Cam Newton was back in the news Tuesday after throwing more than 30 passes in front of NFL scouts during Auburn’s Pro Day.
Not only is this an opportunity to help improve his alma mater’s draft stock, but it also shows that he still has something to offer at the NFL level.
Can Cam Newton still start in the NFL? pic.twitter.com/y3JFymR3Pe
— PFF (@PFF) March 21, 2023
While Netwon declined to speak to the media at Auburn, he made his feelings clear beforehand: “32 assholes are no better than me,” Newton said in a video posted on Twitter.
Which begs the question: Are there 32 quarterbacks in the NFL right now that are better than Cam Newton?
The former No. 1 overall pick didn’t play in 2022. He also isn’t a full-time starter in 2021, as he was signed on the street to rejoin the Carolina Panthers after Sam Darnold suffered a shoulder injury.
In his second tenure as a starter for the Panthers, he ended up going 0-5 with three games below 50.0 and was 66-for-122 for 676 yards, 3-point scores and five interceptions.
season | team | go back | PFF Pass Grade | rank |
2021 | black panther | 147 | 46.5 | not applicable |
2020 | patriot | 444 | 67.8 | 38th day 26th |
2019 | black panther | 99 | 53.6 | not applicable |
2018 | black panther | 558 | 70.0 | 23 of 39 |
2017 | black panther | 641 | 67.7 | T-25th of 31 |
2016 | black panther | 596 | 69.4 | T-22nd of 37 |
2015 | black panther | 692 | 84.4 | 5 of 40 |
2014 | black panther | 632 | 74.7 | No. 14 of 39 |
2013 | black panther | 612 | 71.7 | No. 19 of 43 |
2012 | black panther | 588 | 68.6 | 18th of 38 |
year 2011 | black panther | 634 | 65.1 | 22nd of 38 |
CLICK HERE TO SEE CAM NEWTON’S CAREER IN PREMIUM STATS
Newton’s last full season as a starter was with the New England Patriots in 2020, where he struggled for the most part, throwing just eight touchdown passes and 10 interceptions for 2,657 yards. In fact, three of his eight touchdown passes that season came against the Jets in the playoffs, long after both teams were eliminated from the playoffs.
His passer rating of 67.8 in 2020 ranks 26th among 38 quarterbacks who play at least 20 percent of their team’s offensive snaps. That number would rank him 24th out of 41 quarterbacks in the same qualifier in 2022, nearly the same as Matthew Stafford, who has been dealing with an elbow injury all season.
As for his eight touchdown passes, only Kenny Pickett has fewer passes in 2022 than Newton did in 2020 (seven), and Pickett is just one still fumbling in the NFL. Rookie — Not as much time as Newton in his 10th NFL season.
However, the 2015 NFL MVP has always been known for his running ability. Not only does he have 4.5 speed, but he’s 6-foot-5 and 250 pounds, which makes him difficult to bring down, even if defenders manage to grab him. In 2020, Newton ranked third in rushing yards (592) while leading his position group with 12 rushing yards.
Unfortunately, despite a much smaller sample size, his 2021 season was abysmal by almost every standard. His overall PFF grade of 53.3, if he played enough fast breaks to qualify, would have placed him ahead of only Ben Roethlisberger and Mike Glennon, whose passing grade was lower than Newton’s 46.5. Still, Newton’s 73.8 rushing grade was the second-best of his career — even better than his MVP season.
Considering he turns 34 in May and his best years are likely behind him, Newton could be a big-name backup if he signs with an NFL team.
Two possible matches are the Washington Commanders and the Baltimore Ravens. Not only will Washington provide familiar elements for Newton, as head coach Ron Rivera has coached him for the majority of his time in Carolina, but they may have the biggest opening at quarterback, as they currently plan to Begins the 2023 season with 2022 fifth-rounder Sam Howell.
Unless the Commanders make another move at the position before the season begins, such as by trading to a top-five pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, or adding another veteran via trade or free agency, Newton could be an option if Howe If you struggle.
Baltimore is also an interesting option if they can’t keep 2019 MVP Lamar Jackson. The Ravens like to use a system with a moving quarterback because Jackson and backup Tyler Huntley are both excellent ball handlers. If Jackson moves on, Newton’s skill set could at least land him a job off Huntley’s bench.
So, are there 32 NFL quarterbacks in 2023 better than Cam Newton? Yes, possible. But given Newton’s track record and unique abilities, he’ll be an upgrade on most teams’ benches.
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