Cam Newton has a major problem with Colts’ decision to sign Philip Rivers and he’s not pulling any punches
Former MVP Cam Newton isn’t happy that the Colts chose to sign 44-year-old Philip Rivers over him.
The Indianapolis Colts’ choice to sign Philip Rivers out of retirement to their practice squad has dominated the NFL news cycle for three days straight now. All signs are now pointing towards the 44-year-old to start this Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks.
The team also considered other options, though. Reportedly, they reached out to veteran Derek Carr and their former sixth-round pick Sam Ehlinger. One player they didn’t call was former NFL MVP Cam Newton, and the former Carolina Panthers QB let it be known he’s not happy.
Cam Newton isn’t happy that the Colts chose to sign Philip Rivers over him
Newton was asked, if Indy had asked him to come in for a workout, would he have done it? He made it pretty clear his answer would be yes, even though he is retired. And he feels some type of way about not only not getting that call but seeing the Colts have signed Rivers. So, let’s dive into whether he has a reason to be mad and whether the Colts should have considered signing Newton.
“He’s 44 years old, I don’t give a damn if he’s in their family, he’s 44 years old” was Newton’s response to his co-host mentioning that Rivers’ familiarity with the Colts system is a reason they could have signed him. I understand that Newton is right; he is eight years younger than Rivers at 44, and Newton today is more athletic and mobile than Rivers has ever been. If that was a reason at all for this signing, I think he’d have a foot to stand on in feeling slighted, but it wasn’t, though.
Not only did Rivers play most of his career in this offensive system, but he also uses the Colts’ playbook at his son’s high school, where he serves as the head coach. Though he’s joining the team now ahead of Week 15, he probably knows the playbook better than any other person in the Colts locker room not named Shane Steichen. That, paired with his ability to read a defense and take what it gives him, is what stands out and why he got the call. They also clearly think his arm still has enough juice to give this a try.
Could it blow up in their face? Absolutely. However, I honestly believe it would have been a worse idea to sign a veteran like Newton, who has also been out of the league for multiple years and would have had to learn Steichen’s playbook from scratch.
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