NFL.com analyst still thinks Jaguars should take a look at Cam Newton

While there are mixed views on the topic, there is still one NFL.com analyst who is pushing for the Jacksonville Jaguars to sign quarterback Cam Newton.

NFL.com analyst Bucky Brooks is still beating the drum for former Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton to wind up in Jacksonville with the Jaguars, and potentially four other teams. The veteran passer was released from the team that made him the first pick in the 2011 NFL Draft last week.

"“Newton’s personality might scare off the Jaguars’ coaching staff and executives based on their recent experiences with some alpha dogs.” writes Brooks. “That said, he would be a significant upgrade over Gardner Minshew and Newton’s athleticism would help coach Doug Marrone stick to a ground-and-pound attack with the running game leading the way.”"

There has been no word about what the Jaguars plan to do about their backup quarterback situation or if they intend to bring in a veteran to compete with Minshew for the starting job. Jacksonville made a bold move itself by trading veteran Nick Foles to the Chicago Bears for a fourth-round draft pick in April.

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If the Jaguars are indeed planning to rebuild the roster, signing Newton would be a head-scratcher and is you know from what I wrote last week, bringing in a quarterback with his personality could have a detrimental effect on the locker room, more so than the coaching staff.

Players have gravitated toward Minshew over the course of the last 11 months. That kind of chemistry will prove vital in how this team reacts to many news faces coming to North Florida and key veterans exiting for one reason or another.

Brooks does think it’s a move that can pay off for the Jaguars franchise.

"“If Newton can convince the front office that he will be a team player, he could help lead a young team back into playoff contention,” he wrote."

Marrone has not officially named Minshew the starter for the 2020 season, leading to speculation the front office still may look to other players to bring in and compete, either by trade, free agency or the NFL Draft.

The New England Patriots, Los Angeles Chargers, San Francisco 49ers, and Baltimore Ravens were also part of the list Brooks came up with. The Patriots and Chargers have an immediate need to fill given Tom Brady and Philip Rivers are playing for other teams in 2020.

Another thing to consider is how Newton would operate in Jaguars offensive coordinator Jay Gruden’s system. The Jaguars have a rising star at wide receiver in DJ Chark and now have brought in tight end Tyler Eifert from Cincinnati. Add Leonard Fournette to the mix with his best season in the league in 2019, and Jacksonville has some weapons for Minshew or someone else to work with.

Would Newton be an upgrade over Foles? Probably. But signing him to a deal – where the Jaguars have around $20M left in cap space at the moment – could still be risky.

"“While the fact that Newton remains unsigned as of this writing isn’t a surprise given that NFL teams are not performing physicals at this time due to the coronavirus pandemic (he did pass a physical coordinated by the Panthers and his agency before being released by Carolina, per ESPN), it’s still a surprise to see a player with Newton’s credentials searching for work in what should be the prime of his career,” Brooks wrote."