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Former NFL MVP Cam Newton has announced that he is willing to take on a backup role in the league for the upcoming 2023 season.
The announcement comes after Cam was left unsigned throughout the entire 2022 season, despite his best efforts to secure a spot on a team.
Cam recently worked out for teams during the 2023 Auburn Pro Day, in hopes of impressing teams and earning a spot in the league. He first made headlines by saying that “There aren’t 32 guys better than me,” but it seems that the league disagrees with that sentiment as he remains unsigned following the workout.
However, Cam is now making it clear that he is willing to take on a backup role in the NFL, naming a number of quarterbacks he would be happy to play behind. These quarterbacks include Deshaun Watson of the Browns, Sam Howell of the Commanders, Malik Willis of the Titans, Justin Fields of the Bears, Tua Tagovailoa of the Dolphins, Josh Allen of the Bills, Jalen Hurts of the Eagles, Lamar Jackson of the Ravens, and Aaron Rodgers of the Packers/Jets. Cam also mentioned three rookies he would be willing to back up, who are Bryce Young, C.J. Stroud, and Anthony Richardson.
Update: Cam Newton says he's willing to be a backup in the NFL.
Guys that he's willing to backup include: Deshaun Watson, Sam Howell, Malik Willis, Fields, Tua, Josh, Hurts, Lamar, Rodgers, and 3 rookiespic.twitter.com/lNB5ZmTxqL
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) April 5, 2023
Cam’s willingness to take on a backup role is a significant shift from his previous stance, where he had stated that he believed he was still one of the top quarterbacks in the league. Despite his previous confidence, Cam’s injury history and declining performance in recent years have kept him out of the NFL even before reaching age 35.
Cam’s MVP win in the 2015 season, when he led the Panthers to a Super Bowl appearance, remains a highlight of his career. However, his inability to find a team for the 2022 season suggests that his days as a starting quarterback may be behind him.
It remains to be seen whether any teams will take Cam up on his offer to be a backup quarterback in the 2023 season. However, his experience and skill set could be valuable for any team looking to add depth to their quarterback roster. For now, Cam will continue to work towards making his NFL comeback a reality.