06 October 2023 , 13:14
604
0
Cam Newton outlined what it would take for him to join the New York Jets.
The quarterback is currently a free agent and last played in the NFL for the Carolina Panthers in the 2021 season. When Aaron Rodgers’ season was curtailed due to a devastating Achilles injury on his Jets debut, many wondered who would step up and fill his spot.
With doubts surrounding Zach Wilson, the franchise reportedly tried to recruit the likes of free agent quarterback Matt Ryan and retired two-time Super Bowl winner Chad Henne to boost the team. During an appearance on the “RG3 and The Ones” podcast on Thursday, Newton said it would take a huge effort for him to join the AFC East squad.
“You not about to sit here and penny pinch me, bro,” Newton said. “I’m about to sit up here and sign no $5.5 (million) deal, bro. Those days are over with. I’d be wasting my time. Because I will tell you if you don’t think I could be on a roster right now I could. But it’s bigger than that to me. Am I in shape right now? Hell yeah.”
Newton was the league MVP in 2015 and also won the NFL’s Offensive Player of the Year that same season. The following year he led the Panthers to the Super Bowl, where they were beaten by the Denver Broncos. In addition to a first-team All-Pro selection and three Pro Bowl appearances, Newton was one of the best players of the 2010s.
Joe Burrow backs Patrick Mahomes after Kansas City Chiefs reach Super Bowl
His experience would be vital for a Jets team who have not qualified for the postseason since 2010. But for that to even be a possibility, the first pick in the 2011 NFL Draft pick would need some clarification on several things. “In any situation, I’m gonna sit up there and I’m gonna analyse it as much as possible,” he said. “I don’t want to walk into a dysfunctional situation.
“Have you guys made Zach Wilson aware? Also, Aaron Rodgers is trying to come back this year, let’s also talk about that. So when he comes back is it just gonna be something that you just say, ‘Ay watch out.’ So it’s a lot of things that I don’t just make impulse decisions.” If Wilson’s last Jets performance is anything to go by, the team may finally be able to rely on the 23-year-old moving forward.
Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers went down injured on debut and was replaced with Zach Wilson (Nick Cammett/Getty Images)While trailing 17-0 to the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, Wilson, who has been under the microscope since replacing Rodgers in the starting lineup — led the Jets on a great comeback and they levelled the score at 20-20, before losing late 23-20.
After poor showings against the Dallas Cowboys and New England Patriots, Wilson, the 2021 second overall pick showed his detractors what he was capable of.
He registered 28-of-39 for 245 yards and two touchdowns while also running for a two-point conversion against the Super Bowl champions. Ahead of the Jets’ next game against the Broncos in Week 5, Wilson, via the team’s website, spoke of the need to focus on improving the minor details.
“I think you ease into a game, but I almost feel like the defense does too, so we need to come out fast as well. They are easing into what we are doing on offense, so we need to be able to come out right from the beginning. Screw third downs, let’s get some first downs on first down and second down, let’s start fast and get some big plays from the beginning.”