Cam Newton: Best Trade Destinations for a Former League MVP
By Ian Higgins
Denver Broncos
Quarterback: Joe Flacco
Running Back: Phillip Lindsay
Receiving: Emmanuel Sanders, Courtland Sutton, Noah Fant
Denver has been unable to find a suitable replacement for Peyton Manning since his retirement and the reason is clear … John Elway refuses to acquire a modern quarterback. Elway has been stuck in his ways of wanting tall pocket passers that no longer fit the modern NFL. Unless you have the arm talent and mental fortitude of Drew Brees or Tom Brady, you will not succeed as a true pocket passer. Having the ability to stretch plays outside of the pocket with mobility is key to surviving modern NFL defenses. Cam Newton would be the perfect fit to change the face of this Denver offense.
Both Emmanuel Sanders and Courtland Sutton have had their production capped by the check-down king (Joe Flacco) currently under center in Denver, and a change of pace could be what primes a serious breakout for Sutton in his sophomore campaign. Sanders and Sutton are both deep threats in their rights but utilize 2 opposing skill sets to get the job done, and Newton could elevate both to a higher level. Rookie tight end Noah Fant is also one of the best young tight ends in football, an athletic big body who will do well working in the seam and against mismatches for years to come.
Phillip Lindsay can only produce so much behind an average offensive line when facing loaded boxes expecting the run. With Newton in the backfield, not only would defenses need to be honest and prepare for the pass, but would also need to gameplan for Newton’s dynamic play. Mobile quarterbacks force defenses to slow their rushes with contains and dedicate personnel to spying Newton play after play to avoid easy rushing yards when the pass breaks down.
Denver is a team that currently looks to get into the playoffs as a wild card behind Kansas City, and Newton would be the one to put them over the top. A strong Denver defense with quality coaching also goes a long way towards a championship, as proven in their super bowl victory over Newton in 2016, and could be the playoff crutch to Newton that they were to Manning years ago.