Sitting behind Deshaun Watson in Cleveland is proving to be the biggest obstacle for Shedeur Sanders to prove that he can lead an NFL offense. The second-year QB’s options could look very different if another team suddenly needs a quarterback, and Cam Newton believes one NFC contender presents an intriguing opportunity.
His pick might surprise Browns fans, but the reason behind it comes down to something Sanders has struggled to find in Cleveland: a real chance to put his talent on tape.
Cam Newton Names Eagles as Potential Shedeur Sanders Destination
Newton made his case on the latest episode of “4th&1,” naming the Philadelphia Eagles as a team Sanders should consider.
His suggestion comes after Jalen Hurts was placed on injured reserve because of a moving superficial blood clot in his calf, leaving Philadelphia without its starting quarterback for an extended stretch.
When asked about how realistic it is to expect Sanders to be on the move, Newton said, “Extremely real. Because just think, just think. If I’m Shedeur, I wouldn’t even lie to you. You know what team I’d be willing to play for right now?” Newton asked. “Philly.”
The Carolina Panthers legend explained that Hurts’ absence could give Sanders a brief chance to show what he can do in a competitive offense. Rather than treating Philadelphia as a guaranteed long-term destination, Newton sees the potential value in getting meaningful playing time while the starter recovers.
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“The only reason why I say Philly is because Jalen Hurts is placed on IR. He at least has to sit out for four to six weeks. So that gives me an opportunity to say, ‘Hey, I can show that I can play. I just need good film,’” Newton said.
He acknowledged that the proposal might sound unrealistic, but argued that Sanders needs an opportunity to put his abilities on display.
Newton added, “You understand what I’m saying? Anywhere where he can go to put film out there for that team or other teams to be able to say we can build around his greatness and his flaws. So that’s why I say, I know it’s egregious, and there’s no way or reason why people should take that seriously, more so than the opportunity that it will bring for Shedeur.”
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Newton believes even a short run of two or three weeks could give the young quarterback useful film for Philadelphia or another franchise considering its future at the position.
“I’m on a short choke chain, but at least it’s my chain for at least two to three weeks,” Newton said, describing the limited window Sanders might receive in the City of Brotherly Love.
Philadelphia, however, has already turned to Tanner McKee, who started against the Panthers this weekend.
The Eagles lost that game, although the offensive struggles were not attributed solely to the quarterback. Injuries and questions about first-year offensive coordinator Sean Mannion’s play-calling have also affected the unit. As a result, they sit 29th in PFN’s NFL Offense Impact Metric%20assigns,red%20zone%20and%20third%20downs.) with a 69.4 grade.
Sanders’ situation in Cleveland presents another obstacle. He started seven games as a rookie in 2025 and earned a Pro Bowl selection, but Watson won the starting job during training camp.
Despite trade speculation, Sanders’ camp has not indicated that he is seeking a move. Cleveland also has financial reasons to keep him, with his rookie contract running through 2028 while Watson is in the final year of his deal.
This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.