Raiders-Cam Newton Buzz Makes Next to No Sense
The Las Vegas Raiders were connected to Tom Brady this offseason and are rumored to be in on one of the top quarterbacks in this month's NFL Draft. All this is taking place with QB Derek Carr under contract through the 2022 season.
Jon Gruden isn't afraid to shake things up at quarterback, and someone who has enough faith to roster Nathan Peterman is certainly capable of making bold decisions. So, could his next bold move be to sign Cam Newton in free agency? One AFC coach insisted that the Raiders would be a playoff team with Newton, per Bleacher Report's Mike Freeman, but let's be clear: The fit just doesn't make sense for Las Vegas.
The Raiders have Derek Carr and one of the highest-paid backup QBs in the NFL.
— Raiders on NBCS (@NBCSRaiders) April 12, 2020
But an AFC coach thinks Cam Newton, if signed, would lead Las Vegas to the playoffs in 2020 ?https://t.co/qh7WAGwCiV pic.twitter.com/vSvkdxdeaS
Yes, Newton needs a job, and he could potentially show up and win the Raiders QB job straight away. Such a move would not make much sense for the team itself, however. The team already signed Marcus Mariota to play behind Carr; that's already a potential competition. Adding Newton, who is not clearly better than Carr until he proves an ability to stay healthy, just makes the situation a jumbled mess.
Rhule declines to say whether Cam’s injury history factored in. Indicates it was more about Bridgewater being available, fit with/knowledge of Joe Brady offense, etc.
— Jourdan Rodrigue (@JourdanRodrigue) April 8, 2020
Adds, “I think Cam Newton is a great QB who can play in any system.”
The Carolina Panthers chose Teddy Bridgewater over retaining Newton, and that organization had the most info on the former No. 1 overall pick's health. This unnamed AFC coach's high confidence in Newton may be going off his reputation as a former MVP more than his existing potential in 2020.
Newton's foot injury remains a concern, and at 30 years old, he is likely not the kind of quarterback the Raiders should build around for the long haul. Time isn't up on Carr just yet, and introducing more chaos in this depth chart just won't help mattters.