Ron Rivera Seemingly Not Ruling Out Cam Newton Signing is Probably Just Letting His Man Off Easy

Ron Rivera is in his first season as Washington Redskins head coach and has two young quarterbacks at his disposal. The top guy is 2019 first-round pick Dwayne Haskins. Rivera is also reunited with Kyle Allen, who appeared in 13 games for the Carolina Panthers last season. The team showed some faith in Haskins (and the overall QB room) by not drafting a top quarterback in 2020.

There's been chatter about the Redskins potentially signing Cam Newton, who played his best days under Rivera, considering there's no clear-cut started on the Redskins' roster. Rivera did mention he has thought about it, but it seems like he is just being nice with his latest comments.

Ron Rivera: I've thought about Cam Newton, it depends on circumstances https://t.co/YJeR8aenEy
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) April 30, 2020

The coach mentions how circumstances would have to be perfect to sign Newton. He already has two young QBs on the roster and Newton's health remains in question. The way Rivera talks about Newton without giving a definitive answer almost feels like this is a gesture to show respect for his former quarterback who has yet to find a job this offseason.

#Redskins HC Ron Rivera on @gmfb about signing Cam Newton:

“I have thought about it, I mean, it's something that's run through my mind, and it's about the situation and circumstances. I'm not sure I would do it. I'm not sure if I wouldn't do it. It depends on circumstances."
— NFL Latest (@UpToDate1NFL) April 30, 2020

The two joined the Panthers together in 2011 and took the team to the Super Bowl during the 2015 season. Newton began to slow down after that MVP season and only played in two games last season because of a foot injury.

Fans will be upset to learn that just because there's a link doesn't mean it's going to happen. The Redskins are rebuilding, so bringing in a quarterback of Newton's caliber hardly makes sense. Rivera likely knows that so he's going to answer such questions with great caution and precision.