Cam Newton's Patience in Free Agency is an Impressive and Underrated Trait

Quarterback Cam Newton surely feels deceived by the new coaching staff of the Carolina Panthers. After Matt Rhule expressed his excitement to work with Newton at the NFL Scouting Combine, Newton was quickly shown the door after the Panthers brought in Teddy Bridgewater in free agency to replace him.

Even after being done dirty, however, Newton isn't showing any weakness. In fact, his poise since departing Charlotte has revealed an admirable quality.

According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, teams have interest in Newton's services, but aren't in a rush to sign him. As it turns out, the feeling is mutual, as the former NFL MVP is willing to wait until after the NFL Draft to find a team. Facing the sternest test of his career to date, his sober and deliberate approach has got to impress potential suitors.

A lesser man would feel desperation. Not Newton, who will prove in time that patience is a virtue. A quarterback who's willing to wait until the situation is perfect? We'd sign that kind of guy in a heartbeat.

As of this writing, there are no starting quarterback jobs open, but that could all change soon enough. If teams like the Miami Dolphins or Los Angeles Chargers opt against taking a rookie quarterback in the NFL Draft, they ought to look towards Newton. After all, it's not every day that a former league MVP is available.

There's also the chance that a starting signal-caller could go down with an injury during OTAs or training camp, which would work in Newton's favor. A team in desperate need for a quarterback for the start of the season? The 2011 No. 1 overall pick would have all the leverage in negotiations.

Why would Newton rush to sign with a team? He needs to pick a squad who will guarantee him a starter's job for the regular season, and has no reason to spend the rest of his prime in a bad situation even if the money is good. Trust us when we say that Newton's patience in free agency will benefit him in the long run.