Cam Newton suggested to be QB1 in volatile media market

New York Times contributor Mike Tanier suggested that the New York Jets ditch their pursuit of Aaron Rodgers to be their starting quarterback and instead hand the ball to a much cheaper option: Auburn legend Cam Newton.

“The Jets could make the playoffs with Cam in 2023, keep their draft picks, save millions in cap space and cope with about 50% less self-absorbed weirdness,” Tanier said in a response to his previous tweet stating that Newton’s confidence — one that empowers him to feel that he’s good enough to be QB1 on at least one NFL team — could be leverage in Rodgers negotiations with the Green Bay Packers.

Analyst makes case for Cam Newton as Jets’ starting quarterback

Heavy’s Paul A. Esden Jr. made the case for Cam Newton being the starting quarterback of the Jets, being in the camp that believes New York would’ve made the postseason with most anyone else besides Zach Wilson under center in 2022.

“If the Jets had below-average quarterback play in 2022 they would have made the playoffs,” Esden wrote. “So there is a strong argument to be made that in 2023 under the direction of Newton that New York could break their postseason drought.”

Ultimately, though, Esden believes the standard of Jets fans for the team is too high to pivot from Rodgers to Newton.

“Last season just making the playoffs would’ve been enough to satisfy the fan base,” Esden wrote. “However, the goals for the team have reached a different level this offseason. There has been legitimate Super Bowl chatter around the Jets if they’re able to add a player of Rodgers’ caliber. That same chatter wouldn’t exist for what many perceive as an over-the-hill Newton on the Jets next season.”