One of the more surprising moves this past offseason came when the New England Patriots released veteran quarterback Cam Newton. The split came due to a combination of things, however, the former NFL MVP has remained out of a job since then.
Fast forward to last weekend when Newton took to his YouTube channel to post a video discussing how he’s now vaccinated and eyeing his NFL return. As a result, rumors have begun swirling about potential destinations if he is indeed returning to the league.
Bovada has released odds on potential landing spots for Cam Newton. As it stands, the Seattle Seahawks are the favored destination at +175 odds. This shouldn’t come as much of a surprise because it was revealed earlier this week by Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll that the team has had discussions with Newton already.
Seattle placed starting QB Russell Wilson on the injured reserve last week after he underwent finger surgery. Journeyman gunslinger Geno Smith has been starting under center since then, however, he’s been nothing more than average. With the Seahawks being 2-4 on the year, it makes sense that they’d want to reach out to the former MVP.
It’s important to keep in mind that Newton didn’t look like his old self when he started for the Patriots last season. While he completed 65.8% of his passes, he finished with career-lows in passing yards (2,657) and touchdowns (8) while also throwing 10 interceptions. Nevertheless, playing with wideouts like Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf might be enough to revitalize Cam Newton and help turn the Seahawks’ season around.
Cam Newton Destination Odds
Odds via Bovada as of Thursday, October 21
- Seattle Seahawks (+175)
- Washington Football Team (+500)
- Houston Texans (+500)
- Dallas Cowboys (+800)
- Miami Dolphins (+800)
- New York Giants (+800)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (+800)
- Indianapolis Colts (+900)
- Cincinnati Bengals (+1200)
- Carolina Panthers (+1400)
- New York Jets (+1600)
- Cleveland Browns (+1600)
Newton to Washington?
At +500 odds, the Washington Football Team are tied as the second-likeliest destination for Cam Newton. After all, they haven’t been having much luck at the quarterback position. Ryan Fitzpatrick was signed during the offseason to be Washington’s starter, however, he suffered a hip injury in the first game of the season and isn’t expected to be back for another couple of weeks.
Taylor Heinicke has been starting in Fitzpatrick’s absence and he’s even looked above average at times. Nevertheless, Washington has lost three of his last four starts and something has to be changed if they want to salvage their season.
Would Cam Newton be an upgrade over Heinicke? It’s tough to say. If it’s the version of him we saw last season, then probably not. Although, bringing him in would certainly create competition between himself and Heinicke, which could produce the best results for Washington at least until Fitzpatrick is back. The team is 2-4, though, so the trigger needs to be pulled sooner than later if it’s going to happen at all.
Cam Newton Texans Odds
The Houston Texans are the other team with +500 odds to sign Cam Newton. Like the others, the Texans have had their own quarterback issues this season. Deshaun Watson hasn’t been around the team as he continues dealing with sexual assault allegations and trade rumors.
Tyrod Taylor took Watson’s spot as the No. 1 QB at the beginning of the season, but he hasn’t played since injuring his hamstring in Week 2, leaving rookie gunslinger Davis Mills as the starter. While Mills hasn’t been terrible, he has seven interceptions through his first five appearances, doesn’t have a win and it’s clear that he’d be better off with more development before taking over the starting job permanently.
Houston just isn’t a good team and bringing Cam Newton in might not turn the season around, but at least it’ll take the pressure off of Mills’ shoulders. The Texans can focus on developing the rookie at a proper pace while Newton handles the starting job. The three-time Pro-Bowler also has a great mind for the game, so Houston likely wouldn’t mind if some of that can rub off on Mills.
At the end of the day, the Texans offer Newton a spot where he can go out and maybe prove to other NFL teams that he still has “it.”
