In a surprise move, the Patriots, rather than waiting to explore the trade or free-agent markets, brought back quarterback Cam Newton, re-signing the former MVP to an eye-opening, one-year, $14-million deal. Obviously, that’s not Dak money, but it’s still a nice payday for Newton, who earned a modest $1.14 million with the Patriots in 2020. Many had anticipated New England making a run at Jimmy Garoppolo or Marcus Mariota (Derek Carr had also been discussed), but Bill Belichick must have preferred Newton, who struggled passing the ball last season but was highly effective as a ball-carrier, rushing for the second-most touchdowns (12) by a quarterback in NFL history.
Reaction to Newton’s return has been mixed with some praising it as a shrewd, low-risk signing while others were surprised New England spent so much to retain a player who contributed just eight touchdown passes against 10 interceptions last season.
Though Newton’s salary suggests the Patriots envision him as their 2021 starter, this doesn’t preclude New England from adding another quarterback, either via the draft or free agency. The Patriots were one of several teams in attendance for Trey Lance’s Pro Day Friday at North Dakota State. New England has also been linked to Heisman finalist Mac Jones, who was coached by Belichick’s close friend, Nick Saban, during his four-year stint at Alabama.
Another year of Cam may not be what Patriots fans had in mind, but with an improved receiving corps (New England still has over $50 million in cap space to spend on Hunter Henry, Marvin Jones or anyone else that fits Belichick’s fancy) and a full offseason, a bounce-back year for Newton in 2021 isn’t out of the question.
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