Five possible destinations for Cam Newton or Jameis Winston

Cam Newton (Keith Allison, Wikimedia Commons)

We are now into the first week of National Football League free agency and there are two quarterbacks on the market who are currently available. Cam Newton of Atlanta, Georgia and Jameis Winston of Bessemer, Alabama are looking for work. The issue is that many NFL teams are all of a sudden set at quarterback, meaning the opportunities for Newton and Winston to find work as a starter in 2020 is getting slimmer by the day. However here are five destinations where Newton or Winston could land.

5) Cincinnati Bengals–There is no doubt that the Bengals are in need of a quarterback and are looking to move on from Andy Dalton sooner rather than later. The major issue for Newton and Winston however is that the Bengals have the first overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, and the feeling is they will select Joe Burrow from Louisiana State.

4) New York Jets–We all know that Jets management have high praise for Sam Darnold, but the bottom line is they could do better. In 13 games last season, Darnold was in the bottom nine in the NFL last season in passing yards (3024), touchdown passes (19) and quarterback rating (43.6). Winston meanwhile had 33 touchdowns, 5109 passing yards (led NFL) and a quarterback rating of 84.3. Despite having injuries to his shoulder and foot the last two years, Newton has never had a quarterback rating as low as 43.6 in his nine year NFL career.

3) Chicago Bears–The Bears have Nick Foles and Mitchell Trubisky as their quarterbacks, but one could make the argument that both quarterbacks are better suited as backups rather than starters–especially if Chicago management has a chance to sign Newton or Winston. The Bears historically have never been all that keen about signing a superstar quarterback however. Traditionally, their focus has been on getting star players on defense. However, there are not many times that two notable quarterbacks with solid resumes are available this late in free agency, and it just might be the time that Bears General Manager Ryan Pace pulls the trigger.

2) Miami Dolphins–We know that there are a selected number of NFL fans who would love to see Ryan Fitzpatrick succeed, but the bottom line at age 37, he is better suited for a backup than a starter. Winston could be a solid fit for Miami as he has the chance to remain in the state of Florida. However the fact that the Dolphins are rebuilding and only have one serious receiver threat in DeVante Parker, may force Winston to look elsewhere.

1) New England Patriots–The Patriots obviously need a quarterback now with Tom Brady deciding to leave New England for Tampa Bay. Are the Patriots really deciding to start their rebuilding mode with Jarrett Stidham and Brian Hoyer as quarterback candidates with Bill Belichick remaining as the Patriots head coach? My answer is no. Cam Newton, and the experience he brings to the table, could definitely find his way with the Pats.