With Cam Newton’s release in Carolina cemented on Tuesday morning, one can almost hear the distant sound of a covert Foxborough telephone being removed from its holster to make an exploratory phone call.
Obviously it’s not that simple. Newton has been adversely affected by the NFL’s decision to barrel ahead with free agency during the COVID-19 pandemic. Teams cannot get proper medical information on a quarterback whose last two seasons have ended because of shoulder surgery and a Lisfranc issue. The Panthers weren’t secretive in their attempts to acquire draft pick compensation for the former MVP, but managed to net more for journeyman backup Kyle Allen than they did for Newton (NFL Network reported that both the Bears and Chargers balked at the chance to make a deal).