NFL 2019: Top Five Candidates for Comeback Player of the Year

Cam Newton, QB, Carolina Panthers

There is not much to say about Cam Newton‘s inevitable comeback.

Or is it even a comeback at all? Newton played with a shoulder problem throughout the entire 2018 NFL season, likely attributing to his sub-par play towards the end of the season.

Before worsening his ailment, Newton performed with good numbers, finishing with a steady 67.9% completion rate- almost two percent higher than Tom Brady in his Super Bowl winning season last year.

Though Newton’s MVP play seemed to diminish and eventually was shut down before the final two games of the season. Regardless, Newton is ready to make an optimistic comeback.

"“I feel like I do have full strength right now,” said Newton to ESPN’s David Newton."

Either way, Cam Newton is clearly one of the most talented quarterbacks in the NFL. If healthy, he undoubtedly has the ability to play at an MVP-caliber level again. If he has MVP upside, it is not difficult to see how Newton can become the 2019 NFL Comeback Player of the Year.

Travis Fredrick, C, Dallas Cowboys

The All-Pro center for the Dallas Cowboys was reported to have been diagnosed with a minimum season-ending autoimmune disease last August. Fortunately for the Cowboys, one of the league’s best centers has shared his vision for his comeback, that can likely be this season.

Frederick had this to say to ESPN a week ago regarding his recent surgery and upcoming return at his Block Out Hunger Foundation’s event:

"“I think that’s where we are in the point of recovery, and I think that’s going to be an important step to my return, being able to go through [practice in pads], and there’s going to be rust,” Frederick said. “You’re going to have to knock the rust off during training camp and get back to doing those. You can do the movements on air as much as you want, but it’s not until you’re going against a live person that you feel football.”"

Jerry Jones superior offensive line’s performance and consistency took a dent last season without him. In 2017, the Cowboys possessed the second-best rushing attack and ranked tenth in sacks allowed.

These rankings become even more admirable when compared to their 2018 outing, dropping to tenth in rushing yards and 31st in sacks allowed with 56. Dallas anticipates the day Frederick steps foot back on the football field.