There should be plenty of suitors for Newton

Panthers open the door for star QB to exit, expected to sign free agent Bridgewater

Whatever was said privately between Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers, whoever initially suggested the divorce, is anybody really surprised things turned messy?

Was it really a shock to hear Newton slamming the door on his way out?

Of course not.

Coming off back-to-back seasons that ended in injury, and with one year left on a contract that was to pay Newton US$19.1 million, the Panthers announced on Tuesday they had given the quarterback permission to seek a trade.

So it was Newton who wanted out?

Not so fast.

Within an hour of the Panthers stating that Newton was asking to relocate, word leaked to ESPN’S Chris Mortensen the team was expecting to finalize a deal with Teddy Bridgewater — believed to be worth US$60 million over three years — when the free agent period opens at 4 p.m. Wednesday.

You’ve got to know that didn’t come together in less than 60 minutes, just as you have to figure it’s unlikely Newton was blindsided by the news.

Making the switch at the most important position has been in Carolina’s plans for awhile.

In obvious frustration, Newton lashed out at the team on Instagram.

“Stop with the word play,” he wrote. “I never asked for it. There is no dodging this one. I love the Panthers to death and will always love you guys. Please do not try to play me, or manipulate the narrative and act like I wanted this. You forced me into this.”

Meanwhile, the league’s quarterback picture has become a little more crowded and interesting heading into the start of the new league year.

One of the NFL’S loudest players in his quotes, wardrobe, celebrations and now exits, Newton never met expectations in Charlotte. Selected first overall in 2011, months after winning the Heisman Trophy, he was the NFL’S offensive rookie of the year by a 47-3 margin over Andy Dalton. In 2015 he was the league’s MVP as he led the Panthers to a 15-1 record and a berth in the Super Bowl, which they lost

24-10 to the Denver Broncos.

But even with an 11-win season that ended in a wild-card loss two years later, things mostly went downhill for Newton from there.

Injuries are to blame. When he’s been healthy, the now 30-year old has been tough to stop on the field.

Newton says he has now fully recovered from foot surgery he had in December, and a source told ESPN he was on track to fully participate in a June minicamp before the coronavirus pandemic forced the league to suspend off-season programs.

While showing off his form in a workout last month on Instagram, Newton also let it be known he was yearning some security in the form of a contract extension from the Panthers.

Interestingly, that same day, new Panthers coach Matt Rhule said he “absolutely” expected Newton to be on the roster in September, and that he was “unbelievably excited to work with Cam.”

So what now?

In the world as we knew it a few weeks ago, Newton would wind up with the Chargers, the Bears, or heck, even the Patriots.

Obviously, teams will want him to take a physical before they take the gamble, and the COVID-19 forced shutdown is preventing that currently.

So while the free agent merrygo-round will spit out QBS in all directions starting Wednesday, Newton will be standing off to the side, watching and likely fuming.

He would thrive in Tampa, not just because they have a nice array of receivers, but also because they also play in the same division as the Panthers. Head-to-head games against Carolina would provide Newton with the perfect opportunity to make his ex very jealous.

The Indianapolis Colts and free agent quarterback Philip Rivers, 38, have agreed to a one-year, Us$25-million contract, multiple outlets reported Tuesday.

Rivers has played his entire career with the Chargers up to this point.

He has passed for 59,271 yards (sixth all time) and 397 touchdowns (also sixth all time) in 228 career games.

New Orleans Saints star quarterback Drew Brees has agreed to a two-year contract worth approximately $50 million, multiple media outlets reported on Tuesday.

The $25 million per season average is the same value as the previous deal he signed with New Orleans in 2018.

The 41-year-old Brees started 11 games and completed 74.3 per cent of his passes for 2,979 yards, 27 touchdowns and four interceptions in 2019. He missed five games with a thumb injury.