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Cam Newton has been laid off by ESPN

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Grey Papke | Last updated Jul 21, 2026 4:21 PM ET

Cam Newton was among the high-profile layoffs made by ESPN on Tuesday.

Newton was a regular contributor to ESPN’s “First Take” during the NFL season, but has been let go by the network. He will not return this fall as Stephen A. Smith’s debate partner.

NEWS: ESPN is laying off Cam Newton, sources say.

He will not be on with Stephen A. Smith this fall. Story coming to @OutKick with more details. pic.twitter.com/U3AZaUOZ8T
— Bobby Burack (@burackbobby_) July 21, 2026

Notably, Newton’s departure comes less than a year after he agreed to a new multi-year contract with the network. That contract was meant to expand his role on “First Take” and made him Stephen A. Smith’s primary Monday debate partner.

ESPN seemed to be getting their money’s worth with Newton, who attracted his share of attention last season. Most famously, he spent the entire season casting doubt on Drake Maye and the New England Patriots, and he felt quite vindicated after they were blown out in the Super Bowl. That said, it has been a rough few months for the former NFL MVP, who had one of his other media ventures canceled several months ago as well.

Tuesday’s ESPN layoffs involved some other prominent figures at the network. Newton was one of the biggest names involved when all was said and done.

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