Cam Newton is going to be a hot topic around the Chicago Bears all offseason. However, Bears fans may not want to hold their breath
Cam Newton heading to the IR has sent a shockwave across the NFL with a ripple effect of storylines. Newton has one year left on his deal, and maybe on the move as the Panthers cruise along without him. This is going to have Chicago Bears fan anxious.
Due to their situation at quarterback, they seem likely to be one of the teams on a shortlist that would be interested in taking a shot at Cam Newton next season.
Of course, there are a lot of moving pieces that come with that. There are going to be other suitors, and working mechanics involved to pull off a trade, or signing that would send a former MVP to Chicago.
Here are three reasons why Chicago Bears fans may not want to hold their breathe and wait for Newton.
3. Trade compensation
The first thing that fans have to remember is that while the Panthers may be ready to move on from Newton, they still have him under contract through the end of next season. Could the Panthers let him go to let Newton sign where he pleases? It is possible, and the Panthers would save $19 million in cap space in the process.
However, as nice that may be, they will be highly incentivized to trade him. To start, getting an asset is better than not getting an asset. Beyond that, by finding a trade partner for Newton, the Panthers would clear an extra $2 million, saving them $21 million in the process.
On top of that, there is going to be a market for Newton. Sure, he is on the back end of his career, and coming off of injuries. He is a quarterback. A quarterback who has won enough to get to a Super Bowl and win an MVP. Even if he is not on that level, he is a valued commodity in the NFL.
This is where we are reminded that the Bears do not have a first-round pick. They do have two second-round picks and a couple of fifths. If they get creative they may be able to send an offer that is enticing to the Panthers.
Still, who is to say that the Tennessee Titans, sitting at 4-5 and out of reach for a quarterback send their mid-first for Newton? Any team with a first has an advantage, and most teams can put bigger packages together with other picks in the first three rounds.
If Newton has multiple suitors, it is tough to think they could win a bidding war.