by Matt Rosenthal ’22

While the bulk of NFL free agency is over, there are still some quality players available. Panthers quarterback Cam Newton was released over a month ago and has yet to be signed. Jameis Winston was replaced by Tom Brady in Tampa Bay and has remained unsigned. Jadeveon Clowney had an okay season with the Seahawks, but has demanded a lot of money and is still available. 

Newton did not want out of Carolina. He was forced out by executives when the Panthers signed Teddy Bridgewater to a 3-year deal. People are saying that the Chargers will make a move and sign Newton because he posted on his Instagram videos of him training with Chargers quarterback Tyrod Taylor. 

However, Newton to the Washington Redskins make much more sense. Washington hired Cam’s former coach; Ron Rivera. The Redskins have their quarterback of the future in Dwayne Haskins. If Washington was to bring in Newton, he could teach Haskins the Rivera system. Then Haskins will take over the reigns from Newton and hopefully lead the Redskins to a Super Bowl with Rivera as the head coach. 

Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers signal caller Winston led the league in passing yards and interceptions in 2019. Winston has had his interception woes throughout his career. In 2019 he became the first quarterback to throw 30 touchdowns and 30 interceptions in a season. This is likely why Winston has remained a free agent. He has also wanted a contract worth over $30 million per year.

Realistically, Winston should accept the fact that he will likely be a backup for the 2020 season and not have a large contract. The ideal team for Winston is the Pittsburgh Steelers. He can back up Ben Roethlisberger. Both guys are big, have big arms, and are hard to take down. If Winston can agree to a small contract, he is the perfect fit for the Steelers. 

Clowney is one of the most talented defensive ends of all time, but he does not fully maximize his talent. This is why he has not received the contract offer that he wants. At the beginning of free agency, Clowney wanted a contract worth upwards of $18 million per year. 

Clowney will likely get a $7 million to $8 million contract per year. His incumbent team, the Seattle Seahawks, do not have a lot of cap space. So Clowney will most likely end up with the Cleveland Browns or New York Giants if he can agree to a much smaller deal.