17. Panthers (26): As prodigal son Cam Newton prepares to reclaim QB1 status in Carolina, you have to wonder if injured Sam Darnold — he’s guaranteed nearly $19 million in 2022 — is already entering the backup phase of a career that doesn’t yet span four seasons. Syndication Usa Today

The 2022 NFL offseason has seen many teams look for a change in the quarterback position. Nearly a quarter of NFL teams will have a new starting quarterback while players like Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers are staying put. In fact, there’s been so much movement that there isn’t much demand to trade for guys like Baker Mayfield and Jimmy Garoppolo.

One player who is yet to find a team is Cam Newton. Since being released by the Carolina Panthers in 2019, he bounced around for single-year stints with the New England Patriots in 2020 and then back to the Panthers in 2021.

With starting spots getting filled up, you would think that Newton would be desperate to find a team but that apparently isn’t the case. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Newton texted him that he’s being patient as he’s looking for the “best fit as it pertains to winning a championship and getting a fair chance to play.”

Newton is certainly a starting caliber quarterback but as teams are finalizing their starting QB options, it might make complete sense to wait for the perfect situation but that comes with a risk. It might mean not finding a perfect situation and then Cam is on the outside looking in.

About Phillip Bupp

Producer/editor of the Awful Announcing Podcast and Short and to the Point. News editor for The Comeback and Awful Announcing. Highlight consultant for Major League Soccer as well as a freelance writer for hire. Opinions are my own but feel free to agree with them.

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