The Washington Football Team is exploring all options at quarterback. During Wednesday’s presser, head coach Ron Rivera was transparent about his team’s plans at quarterback, including the possibility of reuniting with Cam Newton.
When asked, Rivera didn’t rule out the possibility of Newton in Washington next season.
āI think the biggest thing we can say, guys, is that weāre exploring all of our options,ā Rivera said, per Ethan Cadeaux of NBC Sports Washington. āNothing is off the table. Again, as we go through this, weāre going to do what we believe is best for us.ā
Newton and Rivera spent nine seasons together with the Carolina Panthers. Newton was the first player drafted with Rivera as Panthers head coach. The 2010 Heisman Trophy winner won an NFL MVP under Rivera in 2015, and the pair reached the Super Bowl that season.
However injuries marred their final two seasons together in Carolina. A shoulder injury in 2018 that required surgery and a Lisfranc fracture, fracture in 2019 after two games concluded Newton’s time in Carolina. Ultimately, the fall off in Newton’s absence led to Rivera being fired.
Rivera landed in Washington last year. Newton lingered on the free agency market before being a late add by the New England Patriots. Rivera battled through a bout with cancer to lead Washington to an NFC East division title in his first year. Meanwhile, Newton looked like a shell of himself in his one year with the Patriots.
Newton threw for 2,657 yards, eight touchdowns and 10 interceptions in 15 games. While he struggled as a passer, he did rush for 592 yards with 12 touchdowns.
Despite, making the playoffs, Rivera needs a quarterback. Injuries and subpar play forced him to start four quarterbacks in their 17 games. Washington won the division with a 7-9 record. The team is trying to get a more stabilized signal-caller, striking out on the Matthew Stafford sweepstakes.
Thus, Rivera is exploring all options in a Plan B or even Plan C. That may include Newton being in the burgundy and gold in 2021.
