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Carolina Panthers: Cam Newton trades before the 2020 NFL Draft

By Ian Higgins

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 27: Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers looks on from the sidelines against the San Francisco 49ers during an NFL football game at Levi's Stadium on October 27, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 27: Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers looks on from the sidelines against the San Francisco 49ers during an NFL football game at Levi's Stadium on October 27, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – OCTOBER 27: Quarterback Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers calls signals against the Tennessee Titans during the first half at Nissan Stadium on October 27, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – OCTOBER 27: Quarterback Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers calls signals against the Tennessee Titans during the first half at Nissan Stadium on October 27, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images) /

Tampa Bay receive: Cam Newton, 2020 Round 4

Carolina receive: TE Cameron Brate, 2020 Round 2, 2021 Round 4 & 6

Jameis Winston has finally become an NFL bust. The former number one overall selection now leads the league in turnovers since 2015, with 103 combined interceptions and lost fumbles. Moments of brilliance outside of the pocket have extended his tenure in Tampa Bay, but it has become time to move on.

Tampa Bay currently boasts a decently talented offense with Mike Evans and Chris Godwin and young, untapped tight end O.J. Howard. Running backs Ronald Jones II and Peyton Barber have been a consistent 1-2 punch in the backfield, combining for one of the most efficient red-zone running corps in the league. A combination of Ali Marpet and Demar Dotson provides a decent offensive line that has some matchup issues across the line.

Tampa Bay’s defense has been quietly dominant this season, with new acquisition Shaquil Barrett closing in on breaking Warren Sapp‘s franchise sack record of 16.5. Alongside Ndamukong Suh, Tampa boasts a stout defensive line. The secondary could use some additions this next offseason via free agency and draft, but a linebacking corp led by Devin White and Lavonte David gives a bright future.

Newton may be the spark plug to change this team’s fortunes and revive Tampa’s offensive production. Running backs Jones and Barber would benefit the most, having a complimentary rushing producer in the backfield to cause misdirection at the second level and alleviate the current pressure on Tampa’s offensive line.

Off of the field, Tampa may be the single team that would benefit most from his leadership. Newton has always been a big character off of the field, and at an average age of 25.4 years old, could use his leadership.

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