Arizona Cardinals: Is it time for a backup like Cam Newton?

If the Arizona Cardinals are as close to the postseason as some fans feel they are, does a backup quarterback like Cam Newton make sense?

The Arizona Cardinals are not unlike the 2019 Cleveland Browns. They have a young dynamic quarterback, an offense with stars and star power, and are emerging as a “trendy pick” should the 2020 NFL season get underway. For those who may have an issue with memory, the “trendy” Browns were often underwhelming, did not make the playoffs, and now have ANOTHER new head coach.

Say what you want, but being a trendy pick is more about clicks and hyperbole in that dead zone NFL fans now find themselves in. However, in Arizona, the Cardinals have been doing some things right. A solid, if not understated draft, and an absolutely stellar trade that brought superstar wide receiver, DeAndre Hopkins, to the desert. Now, with all that in the background, is there room for one more high profile player? Say, quarterback Cam Newton?

The knee-jerk reaction is probably “no.” It’s also an understandable response. That said, an argument can be made to those who insist the Cardinals are closer to paydirt than they aren’t. Newton, who is still unemployed, and could be for a long time, might be getting to that place where a one-off kind of campaign on an up and coming team might be valuable. Additionally, if Arizona feels they are in that rarified air of “contender” how is Cam behind Kyler Murray anything other than a smart and valuable insurance policy?

One more thing, fans should remember the Philadelphia Eagles who upset the New England Patriots with a backup who was a decent starter. Nick Foles, who has had some of that Super Bowl MVP luster dull in recent years, is a prime example of a quality backup who has actually been a starter and had success. While Murray is the incumbent starter for the Cardinals, and no one would argue that, it could be a win-win proposition in a year where conventional wisdom may be out the window. Also, Newton is a recent league MVP, as well as a starting quarterback in postseason play and on Super Sunday.

Just sayin.

Sure, Cam Newton in Arizona might not garner much support. But if the Cardinals are as close as some fans think they are, then why not sign a backup who might be the one player who could put them over the top.