Why Cam Newton might be a good fit for the Rams after all

On May 1, I broke down whether the L.A. Rams should sign Cam Newton as their backup quarterback.

The post was inspired by respected ESPN analyst Louis Riddick saying the former Panterhs QB was a great fit for the Rams. In the end, though, I decided it was probably not a necessary move. Thirty-four days later, please, allow me to change my mind.

I began to reconsider a Newton-Rams fit Wednesday when I wrote a post about the challenges facing the team in training camp.

The NFL is planning not to have any in-person team work until training camps start in late July. One of my concerns for the Rams is the lack of an experienced backup quarterback behind Jared Goff as the current No. 2 quarterback is John Wolford. He was on the practice squad and has no NFL experience. Without an offseason program, the 24-year-old will have a difficult time getting ready to play if Goff is hurt in camp.

Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

In Newton, five seasons removed from winning the NFL MVP award, the Rams would have the luxury of having a backup with extensive starting experience.

With the changed circumstances, all of my previous concerns about signing Newton including the cost – are lessened.

In fact, the Rams should think about signing Newton now. If they wait until training camp and decide Wolford is over his head or if Goff gets hurt, that may be too late.

Newton could be off the market or his price tag could go up, especially if he was coming in as a starter. The more I think about it and the reality of this strange offseason, signing Newton would be a smart play by the franchise.

What are your thoughts on Newton wearing the Rams’ horns?