NFL insider reveals Cam Newton's approach to offseason, potential return to NFL

Free agent quarterback Cam Newton is still searching for a new home in the NFL. Newton returned to the Carolina Panthers last season, but now he has hit free agency with an uncertain future. On Tuesday morning, ESPN insider Adam Schefter provided an update on Newton’s approach to the offseason.

“Free-agent QB Cam Newton is drawing interest, but also is remaining patient,” Schefter tweeted.

Newton reportedly has potential suitors across the NFL, but he is making sure to weigh all of his options. He wants to find the right team that will allow him to compete to play while also competing for a Super Bowl.

“I have teams that are interested in signing me,” Newton said via Schefter. “I am waiting on the best fit as it pertains to winning a championship and getting a fair chance to play.”

There are still some quarterback-needy teams across the NFL that could be interested in bringing Newton in. But with only a couple of starting spots open and others likely to be filled through other trades or in the 2022 NFL Draft, Newton could be running out of time to find a new home.

Newton has an impressive resume in his NFL career

In 2011, the Panthers selected Newton with the first overall pick in the NFL Draft out of Auburn. Newton spent the first nine years of his NFL career with the Panthers, making three Pro Bowls, earning the 2011 AP Offensive Rookie of the Year award, the 2015 AP Offensive Player of the Year award, and he was also a first-team All-Pro and the NFL MVP in 2015. The Panthers went to the Super Bowl in 2015 with Newton at the helm of the offense.

In 2020, Newton left the Panthers and signed with the New England Patriots. He started 15 games there, leading the Patriots to a 7-8 record. Newton threw for 2,657 yards with eight touchdowns and ten interceptions in 2020, adding 592 yards and 12 touchdowns rushing.

Newton was then released by New England in training camp ahead of this past season, and later returned to the Panthers midseason. He started five games, all of which were losses with mixed results. The Panthers could be a potential option for Newton in free agency, as Carolina is still looking for a solution at quarterback. Carolina is reportedly interested in the top quarterbacks in the NFL Draft, but adding Newton can’t be completely ruled out yet. Another return to Carolina might be Newton’s best chance at seeing the field as a starting quarterback next season.