Mike Florio slams Cam Newton for backup QB role plea: "He's still exhibiting the vibe of an NFL starting QB"
Cam Newton has insisted that he will return to the NFL only as a backup, but it seems someone is not buying it.
The former NFL MVP recently put up a list of quarterbacks he would be willing to back up, from college prospects like Bryce Young to current starters like Deshaun Watson:
Cam Newton puts out a manifesto of the QBs he is willing to be a backup for. https://t.co/GnsCbLEnKv
But Mike Florio thinks this is all a ploy for Newton to demand a starting spot. Speaking on NBC's Pro Football Talk, he said:
The whole production is going to be more likely to make teams not inclined to pursue him than to pursue him. He's still behaving as if he is, as he said back in 2011, to Peter King, an entertainer and an icon. He's still exhibiting the vibe of an NFL starting quarterback. He's not humbling himself to the status that he would have as a true number two, and that is what's going to be problematic. He also pointed out that his phone did not ring in the aftermath of the Pro Day at Auburn, where participating because he just wanted to show everybody there are no health issues. If anyone thinks is a health issue, he can still throw he can still get it done, but no one has called no one has shown any interest and I don't think anyone is going to."
How did Cam Newton fare in his latest season on the field?
The last time Cam Newton was seen on the field, it was back with the Carolina Panthers, and it did not go as well as initially thought.
In 2021, after being released by the New England Patriots just before the season began, he made his return in Week 10 at the Arizona Cardinals. As the backup to PJ Walker, he immediately impressed, scoring two touchdowns on a rush and a pass each in the 34-10 win.
He became the starter the following week at home against Washington and threw two touchdown passes, but the team lost 21-27 - the first of a seven-game skid that kept them out of the playoffs. Including the Washington loss, Newton lost all five games he started and has not played since.
Even in his absence, Newton still leads the league in career QB rushing attempts and rushing touchdowns, so it will be interesting to see where he lands next. For instance, he could be a stable option for the Baltimore Ravens, whose disgruntled leader Lamar Jackson plays similarly to him.