3 reasons why Chicago Bears should sign Cam Newton in 2020
By Gino Terrell
Chicago Bears can make up for this 2019 season by acquiring Cam Newton in 2020. Three reasons why he’d be a viable asset.
Imagine Superman in a Chicago Bears uniform. The Windy City could be the new Daily Planet. All Chicago would need is for Bears general manager Ryan Pace to make Cam Newton a Bear.
Cam Newton is under contract with Carolina Panthers through 2020. The 2015 NFL MVP is due $21 million in 2020 but only about $2 million in dead money. After being placed on the injured reserved Tuesday, November 5, it is possible Carolina could decide to move on from Newton in favor of his younger and cheaper backup, Kyle Allen.
Ever since Newton’s rookie year, he took the league by storm. He was the first-ever rookie quarterback to throw 400-plus yards in his first two starts. That 2011 season he went on to win NFL Rookie of the Year. He also set the rookie record for total touchdowns with 35. He tossed 21 and rushed for 14, an NFL record for a quarterback.
Newton made a name for himself as a physical player in this league. His highlights include diving over a pile of defenders to cross the goalie and running players over for the first downs. He’s also equipped with an arm then can stretch the field for deep plays. Most of all, he is a leader in his locker room and well respected in NFL circles.
Superman was more than a mantra for his end zone celebrations. After leaving a car accident with a back vertebral fracture in 2014, he resumed as his team’s starting quarterback only missing one game. He won the team’s final three games, including a showdown against Atlanta Falcons for the 2014 NFC South divisional title.
His resume is highlighted with a Super Bowl appearance, three Pro Bowls and of course, his 2015 MVP season. A season where he led his team to a 15-1 record and 45 total touchdowns (35 passing, 10 rushings).
Since his MVP season, Newton has battle injuries. Mostly a shoulder injury that he surgically repaired. This season Newton has been sidelined by a foot injury. With the injuries, Panthers head coach Ron Rivera said their priority was making sure he’s 100 percent healthy. Bears can reap the benefits of a healthy Newton in 2020.