Dark Horse Destinations for Cam Newton After Panthers Allow Him to Seek Trade

The NFL free agency period has already seen numerous bombshells Monday, but that didn't stop Tuesday from one-upping the initial frenzy before noon. As most of America sipped their morning coffee, Tom Brady announced he would be leaving New England. Just a few short hours later, the Carolina Panthers put out a statement that Cam Newton is available for trade after all.

There are some obvious favorites that have been linked to Newton the entire offseason, like the Chicago Bears who have stated their intent to add veteran competition alongside Mitchell Trubisky, or the Los Angeles Chargers who moved on from Philip Rivers. Another immediate contender is the New England Patriots, who as we know are now in the market for a new starting QB to replace Brady. Aside from these three franchises, here are a few dark horse teams that will be in the running for Cam.

Cam Newton is leaving town—Teddy Bridgewater is the new starting QB for the Carolina Panthers ? pic.twitter.com/EFpRzDme3O
— FanDuel (@FanDuel) March 17, 2020

Cam Newton Destinations

3. Washington Redskins

In terms of the Redskins QB situation, only Ron Rivera and his team know what's real and what's misinformation. / Alika Jenner/Getty Images

Probably the least likely of the bunch, but the Washington Redskins have kept their quarterback situation a mystery since Ron Rivera has taken over. Dwayne Haskins is currently the starter with Case Keenum leaving in free agency, but Alex Smith's name has also been mentioned as an option already on the roster. The Skins have even mulled the idea of drafting another quarterback in the first round. Well, why not add a fourth possibility for Rivera, his former MVP in Carolina.

2. Miami Dolphins

Chris Grier and Brian Flores have wasted no time in shaking up this entire franchise, what's next? / Mark Brown/Getty Images

The Dolphins have been pegged as a major candidate to draft Tua Tagovailoa or Justin Herbert from the get-go, but after watching Brian Flores and his general manager Chris Grier spend huge money yesterday, it's possible that they would rather try and win now with Newton. They could even do both, being that they have three first-round picks to spend, and red-shirt whichever QB they decide to draft. With the Patriots vulnerable for the first time in what feels like generations, the blood is in the water in the AFC East, and the Dolphins have found some teeth.

1. Las Vegas Raiders

Jon Gruden and Derek Carr had an up and down relationship in Oakland, but will there be any relationship at all in Vegas? / Jason O. Watson/Getty Images

With the grand opening in Vegas finally underway, Jon Gruden has broached the subject of upgrading on Derek Carr multiple times this winter. Like most teams, the jewel of free agent crop was Brady for the Las Vegas Raiders, but the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are still the favorites for the future Hall of Famer, according to FanDuel Sportsbook. Cam Newton could be the perfect back-up option for Gruden and the Raiders' brass, who not only want a talented veteran to run this explosive playbook, but a big enough name to lead this franchise into its Vegas-sized re-branding.

Join FanDuel Sportsbook Today. New users get a risk-free bet up to $500. Join Now.

Michael Obermuller is not a FanDuel employee. In addition to providing DFS gameplay advice, Michael Obermuller also participates in DFS contests on FanDuel using his personal account, username king_mizzard. While the strategies and player selections recommended in his articles are his personal views, he may deploy different strategies and player selections when entering contests with his personal account. The views expressed in their articles are the author's alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of FanDuel.