A Cam Newton and Ron Rivera reunion with the Redskins? That can't be ruled out, considering the rumor fueled by a report on Wednesday by ESPN's Josina Anderson that said Washington brass, which includes Newton's old Panthers coach, have discussed the idea and are in "wait-and-see mode."
Although the current level of interest is mild, according to Anderson, it has the potential to heat up.
Regarding Washington as a potential destination for Cam Newton, I'm told the team discussed it, talks did not rise to the level of definitive interest at this time, more of a "wait & see mode" right now observing Newton's market. #Skins also like their young guys too, per source.
— ig: josinaanderson (@JosinaAnderson) March 18, 2020
The Panthers granted Newton permission to seek a trade on Tuesday, not long before they came to terms with their replacement starting quarterback, Teddy Bridgewater, on a three-year deal worth $63 million.
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Carolina needs the $19.1 million in salary-cap relief it would get by either dealing or releasing Newton. The problem with finding a trade partner is the uncertainty about Newton's health coming off a season-ending right shoulder injury. So while a rebuilding Washington franchise is probably not interested in giving up any of its seven draft picks for Newton, especially with no second-rounder, the situation would change if Newton becomes a street free agent.
The Redskins drafted Dwayne Haskins in the first round last season, but that was when West Coast offense-minded Jay Gruden was head coach and Bruce Allen was president. For 2020, the team is implementing the offense Rivera ran with the Panthers the past two seasons, coordinated by Norv Turner's son, Scott.
There's an unfamiliarity with Haskins, and the new staff may not be sold on the second-year QB. Heck, the old staff might not have been, either, as Gruden was reluctant to throw Haskins into the fire early ahead of Case Keenum. There's been a sense that owner Daniel Snyder had much to do with drafting Haskins.
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The bottom line is that the Redskins need.a contingency in their change, although Haskins had a couple of strong games to end his rookie season. They also no longer have Keenum, who signed to be the Browns' backup to Baker Mayfield. Alex Smith continues to face an uncertain NFL future coming off his major scary leg injury. Colt McCoy is also a free agent.
From Rivera's comments at the NFL Combine, it was pretty clear that the Redskins were exploring all possibilities at quarterback. Philip Rivers reportedly was on their radar, but given the Colts ultimately paid him $25 million for one year, a 38-year-old QB probably was too pricey for the Redskins.
Newton is entering only his age 31 season. Should the Panthers release him, the Redskins can get a younger option for a little cheaper, one who has direct recent experience in the offense.
Newton's medicals are complicating trade talks. Teams such as the Patriots and Chargers can't afford a high-risk, oft-injured veteran and are better off turning to the draft. Teams such as the Bears, who need a contingency for Mitchell Trubisky, their recent first-round QB, and the Redskins make more sense.
The Redskins may have tabled the conversation for Newton now, but that will change quickly when the compensation is only a reasonable contract.
