Cam Newton vs Ben DiNucci: Who is well-suited to be a backup QB in NFL?

Cam Newton and Ben DiNucci have had very different trajectories in their NFL careers. Yet, it seems that both of them are now vying for the same position: as backup quarterbacks in the NFL.

Cam Newton has had a far more illustrious career than not only Ben DiNucci but many other quarterbacks in the league. Even from the very beginning, he seemed destined for greatness. He was a Heisman Trophy winner with Auburn in 2010 and was the first overall pick of the 2011 NFL Draft chosen by the Carolina Panthers. Developing there steadily, he had his greatest season in 2015, when he won the MVP award and led the Panthers to Super Bowl 50. He led them to the playoffs again in 2017 before suffering injury-curtailed seasons in 2018 and 2019. He was then traded to the New England Patriots before being surpassed by Mac Jones there. He returned to the Carolina Panthers again but could not have the desired impact and has not played in the NFL since the 2021 season.

Ben DiNucci, on the other hand, was selected in the seventh round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Initially way down the depth chart, he got his chance to start in the NFL after starting quarterback Dak Prescott and reliever Andy Dalton both went down injured. In the three games he played in, including in the one that he started, he could not throw a single touchdown pass. Garrett Gilbert usurped his position later and he was released by the Cowboys in 2021. He got another chance to prove his worth by signing in the XFL with the Seattle Sea Dragons. He has led them to a 5-3 record and they are still in playoff contention. He has 15 passing touchdowns and one rushing touchdown in the league so far.

So, having looked at their respective careers so far, who will be the better backup quarterback in the NFL? Let's take a look at both options.

Cam Newton over Ben DiNucci

With a resume like Cam Newton's, one would argue that he could still be a starting quarterback in the NFL. He himself has said as much by stating that there are no 32 quarterbacks in the league better than him. However, he has also been realistic about his prospects after not playing last season and he is willing to be a backup to multiple quarterbacks, including Deshaun Watson, Lamar Jackson and Justin Fields.

Any team that gets him will get proven regular season and playoff experience. They will get a player who is still the NFL record holder for most rushing touchdowns for a quarterback. They will get a leader who can mentor their starting quarterbacks, many of whom are expected to be younger than him. He will be a positive influence on the team. Given his experience, a lack of reps in practice will not hamper his ability to step in when required. For these reasons, he could be an ideal backup anywhere.

Ben DiNucci over Cam Newton

Ben DiNucci certainly does not have Cam Newton's CV. But what he does have is more recent playing experience as a starter, albeit in a different league. He has shown himself to be competent enough to earn a place back in the NFL. Secondly, he has the experience of being a backup quarterback, something that is very different from a starting quarterback job like the one Newton is used to playing. One does not get regular reps and has to prepare on the fly, something that DiNucci understands.

Finally, as Cam Newton has stated, he still dreams of becoming a starting quarterback in the NFL. That can cause friction in any team that he goes to. With Ben DiNucci, one does not encounter that problem. For these aforementioned reasons, the former Cowboys quarterback might be a better option.