Cam Newton has urged the Atlanta Falcons to trade for Shedeur Sanders as insurance behind Michael Penix Jr. The former NFL MVP does not think the Browns quarterback should arrive as a starter.
Speaking on 4th&1 with Cam Newton, he argued Atlanta needs “a sustainable quarterback who can operate efficiently.”
Penix is expected to start against the Chicago Bears in Week 6, having left the overtime loss to Baltimore with a rib injury.
Cam Newton calls on Atlanta Falcons to trade for Shedeur Sanders
Newton’s concern is Penix’s availability. “What we’ve seen is, man, Michael Penix is fragile like Peggy choosing a soulmate,” he said.
“We thought that our issue was the knee. Now you’ve got the rib. It’s so many things,” he added.
Newton also pointed to the Cleveland connections on Atlanta’s coaching staff, which he believes would make Sanders a valid backup.
Atlanta had planned for Penix and Tagovailoa to compete once Penix recovered from ACL surgery. An oblique injury in practice opened the door for Cooper Rush before Penix took over.
Whether Sanders can be prised away is another matter. Jonathan Jones of The Athletic reported he would be “more surprised” if the Browns traded him before this year’s trade deadline.
Cleveland are 3-2 in Deshaun Watson’s five starts, and general manager Andrew Berry is said to have a great affection for Sanders.
Sanders is under contract for another two seasons after this one, and teams are unlikely to offer more than a fifth-round pick.
Penix returns against Chicago with Tua Tagovailoa’s future in Atlanta unclear. Any deal for Sanders would have to land before the trade deadline.
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