Report: Newton wants to start but isn't ruling out backup role

Cam Newton is now open to being a backup.

After initially being adamant about waiting for a starting job, Newton isn't ruling out taking a role as a No. 2 quarterback "in the right situation," according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

Newton's continued unemployment since his release from the Carolina Panthers appears to be due to a lack of available top jobs around the league.

The New England Patriots are reportedly not interested in the 2015 MVP and seem intent on replacing Tom Brady with second-year pro Jarrett Stidham.

Other speculated destinations for Newton include the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Washington Redkins, who both have young starting quarterbacks.

Though the Jaguars have said they'll explore the veteran quarterback market, the team is in the midst of a major rebuild.

Meanwhile, Redskins and ex-Panthers head coach Ron Rivera was on the fence when asked recently if he would bring in Newton to potentially compete with 2019 first-rounder Dwayne Haskins.

Rivera's already reunited with a former Panthers quarterback, acquiring Kyle Allen to be Haskins' backup.

Newton missed 14 games in 2019 due to a foot injury and played through a shoulder issue for much of the 2018 campaign.

Andy Dalton and Jameis Winston recently signed as backups with the Dallas Cowboys and New Orleans Saints, respectively, leaving Newton and Joe Flacco as the last big-name passers left on the open market.