Cleveland Browns: 3 reasons that end all Cam Newton speculation

Cam Newton is working out with Odell Beckham Jr. and now some fans think the Cleveland Browns are interested in the former MVP quarterback.

To most of you, this isn’t a thing that’s needed to be said. You know that there is no chance, no reason, and no sane rational excuse to bring Cam Newton into the fold here in Cleveland. The team doesn’t need him, the system doesn’t fit him and there’s just no need for another high-priced quarterback. The Cleveland Browns are absolutely not interested.

So why are some talking about Newton joining the Browns? Boredom, maybe. We have four major pro sports in America and all four are still on hiatus. One can assume there are only so many times you can fantasy-book the XFL’s playoffs before you drive yourself mad. So some fans are getting a bit trigger happy with the speculation.

Newton isn’t coming into Cleveland. That’s not to say that he’d never come in, just not this year. So why not? Well, let’s go through them.

No money for him

The money the team has for a second high-priced quarterback has already been given to Case Keenum. Sure, the Browns are still extremely under the cap, and Newton would be a name to bring in during a playoff chase if both Keenum and Baker Mayfield get hurt, but there are no funds for him as things stand today. The team still needs to lock up Myles Garrett, then start working on deals with Nick Chubb, Denzel Ward, and probably Baker Mayfield. Not too mention the money earmarked for another defensive end; whoever that may end up being. There are no funds to just give Newton.

Not the right fit

Newton wouldn’t fit in Cleveland. Not just as a player, as the system is designed for more passing than you want to put on Newton’s shoulders, but also roster wise. The team doesn’t just have a cap issue with Newton, but a roster issue. They already have four quarterbacks on the roster in Mayfield, Keenum, Kevin Davidson, and Garrett Gilbert. With how much hype Davidson has been getting as an undrafted free agent, Keenum being a proving commodity, and Mayfield on the verge of a breakout season, why would Newton be brought in to an already crowded quarterback room.

He probably wants to start for a team

The former MVP and franchise leader in several categories for the Carolina Panthers isn’t going anywhere to hold anyone’s clipboard; at least not yet. Newton was an ideal fit in the eyes of some for the Los Angeles Chargers and New England Patriots, both of whom are moving on from future Hall of Famers. Yet, neither team came to Newton. So what’s Newton supposed to do? Take a deal like Teddy Bridgewater did with New Orleans and wait to see if he got an opportunity? No, Newton isn’t Bridgewater. Bridgewater was young and unproven when he got hurt. Newton is proven, or at least was before the injuries. It makes sense for Newton to wait and see if the Los Angeles Rams, Pittsburgh Steelers, or even the Patriots end up needing a quarterback due to injury. That way he can sign a one year deal, and then go in and play his butt off in the hopes of a long-term one in 2021.

Or he could come to Cleveland and be a receiver for Mayfield. That’s only partly a joke.