Cam Newton is a free agent following his release by the Carolina Panthers. Newton spent nine seasons in Carolina all of which under then-head coach Ron Rivera.
Now Rivera is the head coach of the Washington Redskins. As it appeared apparent Newton’s time with the Panthers was coming to an end, many speculated Washington as a landing spot for the 2015 NFL MVP. In fact, the Redskins were the odd-on favorite for Newton.
However, that won’t be the case.
According to ESPN’s John Keim, the Redskins weren’t interested in Newton, because “they don’t want to put Haskins in a position where he has no shot to compete for the job.”
Instead the Redskins traded for another Panthers quarterback, Kyle Allen, sending a fifth-round pick in exchange.
Recently, Rivera appeared on Charlotte radio station WFNZ. He further explained why the Redskins are not interested in Newton.
“At the end of the day, we have a young football team with a young quarterback in position. We have the chance to set and establish a thing so that’s the way we’re looking at it.”
(h/t Kyle Stackpole)
Rivera has turned to his old ties with the Panthers building his coaching staff in Washington, including offensive coordinator Scott Turner and a plethora of position coaches. He turned to Allen and veteran outside linebacker Thomas Davis, however, the trail won’t include Newton.
Meanwhile, Newton, who is overcoming a foot injury, will have to overcome the Panthers’ late decision to release him in trying to find a new home.
