5 emergency QB options if the Saints lose Derek Carr to injury in 2023
- Cam Newton could spell relief if needed
- Teddy Bridgewater is a viable option
- Carson Wentz would be good in an emergency situation
By Randy Gurzi
4. Cam Newton
Another player the Saints know well is Cam Newton. The No. 1 overall pick out of Auburn in 2011, Newton was the franchise leader for the Carolina Panthers for nine seasons before heading to New England. During his first nine years in the league, he was able to lead the Panthers to a 68-55-1 record and was once in the Super Bowl as well.
While the Panthers lost to the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl 50, Newton was still the NFL MVP that year. He earned the award after throwing for 3,837 yards with 35 touchdowns and just 10 picks. He added another 10 touchdowns and 636 yards on the ground as well.
A shoulder injury wound up affecting Newton's accuracy and by 2019, the Panthers decided to move on. He then joined the Patriots and was 7-8 as the starter while throwing for just eight touchdowns and 10 picks. He did still show some strong running, gaining 592 yards and scoring 12 touchdowns at the age of 32.
He was released in favor of Mac Jones the following year and returned to Carolina. Again, he had some impressive runs as he went for 230 yards and five touchdowns but was 0-5 in his five starts.
Newton didn't play in 2022 but he's been open about wanting to get back in the NFL. He's not ready to admit he's a backup but perhaps taking over for an injured quarterback would be enough for him to come back.