Cam Newton wants to be a starter — but would back up Tua Tagovailoa with the Dolphins

Former No. 1 overall pick and NFL Most Valuable Player Cam Newton still thinks he can be a starting quarterback.

But he’s open to being a backup for a select group of teams — and that includes the Miami Dolphins.

Speaking on his YouTube channel on Wednesday, Newton listed Tua Tagovailoa as one of 12 players he would back up in the 2023 season. The list was primarily composed of players whom Newton is friends with or has a connection to. Tagovailoa and Newton are familiar with each from Tagovailoa’s days as a blue-chip college recruit. Tagovailoa included Auburn University, Newton’s alma mater, among his top choices but ultimately committed to Auburn’s rival, the University of Alabama.

Newton also named Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen, Justin Fields, Deshaun Watson, Jalen Hurts, Malik Willis, Sam Howell and Aaron Rodgers, and he said he would back up Bryce Young, C.J. Stroud and Anthony Richardson, who are expected to be top picks in the 2023 NFL Draft.

“There ain’t 32 guys that’s better than me. But I also know that I could also be a backup, and I’m willing to be a backup,” Newton said.

Newton recently threw at Auburn’s Pro Day to showcase his talents in front of NFL executives.

The Dolphins are not expected to be in the market for another backup after signing Mike White, who head coach Mike McDaniel said will compete with Skylar Thompson for the No. 2 job behind Tagovailoa.

Newton, who turns 34 in May, last played in the NFL in the 2021 season.