Newton named nine QBs he would endorse: Baltimore Ravens’ Lamar Jackson, Buffalo Bills’ Josh Allen, Chicago Bears’ Justin Fields, Cleveland Browns’ Deshaun Watson, Miami Dolphins’ Tua Tagovailoa, Philadelphia’s Jalen Hurts Eagles, Tennessee Titans. Malik Willis (currently not a starter), Washington Commanders’ Sam Howell and Aaron Rodgers, who is expected to join the New York Jets. It is worth noting that Watson, Fields, Willis and Howell once played in the Newton-sponsored 7v7 youth program.
“There are three rookie quarterbacks that I would like to nurture or enjoy,” Newton said. “And what I mean by that is that there’s a lot that goes into the most important position in all sports.”
The chorus of “What about Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow, etc.?” Newton noted that some quarterbacks left off his list already had backups or wouldn’t need his help.
“Some of these guys may already have penciled in backups that the franchise is probably okay with, and that’s fine,” Newton said. “I’m just speaking my mind and just putting out the narrative. And I didn’t want anybody to embrace that false boast or live in it like, ‘Yeah right, Cam. Stop. Your heyday is over.’
“The truth is, yes, I’m 33, turning 34 soon, and I think I have a talent that not many people have. But on another front, there is so much I can offer this someone that has taken care of me in my overall growth.”
At this point, a team would likely add Newton post-draft at the earliest, depending on how things develop. Or he may have to wait out an injury to hit a QB space, and that’s how he ended up back in Carolina in 2021.