While all the 53 players in the roster contribute towards the success of the team at some point in the season, the Quarterbacks take the bragging rights for holding the most critical position on the field. It is a known principle that QBs will decide whether the team will showcase mediocrity or greatness on the field, and that's perhaps the reason why franchises are always willing to break the bank and splurge heavily just to bring the ideal quarterback to the team.
Cam Newton Says Managers Should Not Hesitate From Dropping Quarterbacks
After bringing onboard their primary target for QB, teams leave no stone unturned in keeping him. However, breaking the stereotypes, Cam Newton has urged teams to rethink this approach.
On the latest '4th&1 podcast' episode, Cam Newton discussed shaking up the quarterback landscape by eliminating the notion of a guaranteed franchise QB. Inspired by Sam Darnold's success in Minnesota, Newton suggested that teams make the position an annual open competition, allowing the best performer to claim the job.
I think we should move on from it being franchise QB and let’s really compete for the starter spot every year. That goes for Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow, Josh Allen, etc. Watch how great that m*therf*cker becomes. To hell with franchise QB, earn that shit.
Newton also opined that Quarterback's performance should be judged throughout the season and not just in the preseason. He also stated that teams should not hold back from benching their main guy if his performance remains inconsistent for a considerable period.
The former MVP supported his claim by stating that performance should be the top parameter, and if managers keep this in mind and relay the same to the QBs then a healthy competition for the main man's spot could remain open, which eventually could benefit the team.
We competing. That’s what Cam would do if Cam was a coach. We competing!
While it is a unique opinion regarding the modern set-up of the game, but teams dropping their quarterbacks would be a rare phenomenon. One could not imagine, the Kansas City Chiefs dropping Patrick Mahomes, or the Bengal leaving Joe Burrow on the bench.