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Odds on Cam Newton’s Next Team – Bears Were Favored Before Acquiring Foles, Redskins the Best Bet Now?

David Golokhov

by David Golokhov in NFL Football

Updated Apr 22, 2020 · 11:06 AM PDT

Cam Newton escaping the pocket
Cam Newton's time with the Carolina Panthers appears to be at an end after the team signed Teddy Bridgewater yesterday. Photo by Keith Allison (wikimedia commons).
  • After signing Teddy Bridgewater, the Carolina Panthers appear ready to move on from Cam Newton at quarterback
  • The Chicago Bears had been favored until they traded for Nick Foles
  • What’s the best landing spot for the former NFL MVP at this point?

The Carolina Panthers made a significant change at quarterback on Monday when they signed Teddy Bridgewater and put former franchise quarterback Cam Newton on the trade block.

With Newton’s time in Charlotte all but over, what’s the best bet on his 2020 team?

Odds on Cam Newton’s Next Team

Team Odds
Chicago Bears +125
Los Angeles Chargers +210
New England Patriots +470
Tampa Bay Buccaneers +500
Washington Redskins +750
Miami Dolphins +800
Denver Broncos +800

All odds taken Mar. 18.

Panthers New Regime Takes Franchise In Different Direction

It was long believed that the Panthers were going to stick with Newton during Matt Rhule’s first year as head coach. Shortly after he was hired, Rhule said that Newton was progressing well in his rehab and was “encouraged” by the situation. However, that appears to have been nothing but hot air.

As free agency began, the Panthers targeted former New Orleans Saints quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, signing him to a three-year deal for $63 million. Paying him that kind of money, it quickly became clear that the Panthers were planning to move on from Newton – one way or another.

Bears Were Favored Before Foles

With so many quarterback situations getting settled early on in free agency, it doesn’t look like there are many options for Newton. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed Tom Brady, the Las Vegas Raiders signed Marcus Mariota, and the Indianapolis Colts signed Philip Rivers. That leaves the Bears, Los Angeles Chargers and maybe the Washington Redskins as options.

The Bears were originally favored because they had an obvious need at the position, which has long been the case. Although they’ve publicly said that Mitchell Trubisky will be the team’s starting quarterback in 2020, they also traded for Nick Foles earlier today, which speaks volumes.

Redskins Offer Good Value

Another team that’s been linked to Newton has been the Washington Redskins and that’s where I think he’ll end up at this point. They are further down the list at +750 but there is a good possibility that head coach Ron Rivera reunites with his former quarterback.

The key for the Redskins is that the new regime doesn’t really have a lot of faith in last year’s first-round pick, Dwayne Haskins. It’s easy to see why as the rookie had just 1,365 yards passing in nine games while throwing for seven touchdowns and seven interceptions.

Beyond that, he posted a QBR of 26.4, which is pitiful. We’ve now seen several coaches in Washington indicate that they don’t feel Haskins is ready and Rivera is likely seeing the same thing. The acquisition of Newton would give the Redskins a chance to keep Haskins on the bench and allow him to develop.

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The Los Angeles Chargers are an option but with Tyrod Taylor under center right now, they might feel like acquiring Newton doesn’t really move the needle for them. They’re a frugal franchise and, while Newton would bring some star power, he might not change their trajectory in terms of wins and losses.

I’d expect the Chargers to find their quarterback of the future in the 2020 NFL Draft since they have a high pick. That being the case, take a flier on the Redskins at +750.

Pick: Washington (+750)

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