The Facts: Newton embarks on a new journey after being released by the only franchise he's ever known. The former Panthers QB joined NBA star Chris Paul on Instagram Live Monday, offering his first in-depth comments on being a free agent. "It's time for me, where I'm a fish out of water," Newton said, via Sheena Paul of 1340AM FOX Sports. "I've never not known anything other than the Carolina Panthers, and now it's like I want God to direct my path and put me in a position where I can thrive and be myself. But on top of that, it's still [about] becoming better."

Diehards Line: Newton told Paul his situation is "somewhat weird" due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has shut down teams' ability to bring the quarterback in for a physical. Newton has dealt with shoulder and foot issues the past several seasons. Couple the quarantine with Newton's first foray into NFL free agency after being selected No. 1 overall in 2011, and it's an alien experience for the former NFL MVP. Turning 31 years old next month, Newton said the experience has made the chip on his shoulder "family-size." With no obvious starting QB jobs up for grabs at this point, Newton might have to wait a bit longer before he lands with a new franchise for the first time in his career.