Chances are you’re walking into any piece about Cam Newton possibly playing for the Patriots again with a predisposed opinion, and likely a strong one a that. His inaugural, and possibly lone, season with the Patriots was polarizing to the Foxboro Faithful, to say the least.
There were many who appreciated him:
And many who did not (we chose the nicest one we could find):
Whether or not you enjoyed watching him on the Pats, or think Cam can be an effective starter in the NFL again, the fact remains the man has athletic talent. Maybe not what he once had in college, or during his wild 2015 MVP season, but Newton is undeniably still a gifted athlete who loves the game of football. Just look at same of the plays he made Sunday, opponent withstanding.
He can run, throw and catch, and put up a statistically impressive finalé. Problem is his 2020 tape and stats suggest he might not cut it in the 2021 NFL as a starter. We know he wants to keep playing, but his starter market could be thin at best. Oh, and he’s said “Hell no!” to the idea of being a backup. Hmm...
Early reports said he and the team would likely part ways, but later reports were the Pats not ruling out Newton for 2021. If that’s the case allow me to propose how:
Bring Cam back in the Taysom Hill role.
Hill, 30, is an invaluable asset for the New Orleans Saints. He’s played all over the formation for the Saints for the past few years, but saw his most extensive action this season. Though listed as a QB on NFL.com, Hill is thought of by New Orleans media and even described online as “an American football quarterback and utility player”. Just this season Hill saw action in every game plus started four times when Drew Brees was injured, overall throwing four touchdowns with two interceptions, rushing for eight touchdowns and even catching one. The Saints thought so much of him they signed him to an overall three-year, $21 million extension last spring.
He adds depth behind Brees and layers of unpredictability, given his physical talents, to the Saints offense. Though some believe Hill is not the long-term answer for the Saints under center it’s this kind of forward offensive thinking that keeps Sean Payton in the great coach discussion and his team atop the NFC South.
Back to Cam...would he consider a transition this radical, from QB to “utility player” or “offensive weapon”, a player designation used once last decade? Cam said he enjoyed his time here, and wished he could work more with Coach Belichick, so maybe he’d entertain the pitch. Newton has flashed positional flexibility at times like he did vs the Jets, but never on a consistent basis.
He’s been a QB only, but if he wants to continue to play the game he loves perhaps a role like this shouldn’t be ruled out of hand. As for the Patriots, they could benefit greatly from a diversified Newton. The Pats sorely lack talent on offense, and were a bit predictable in 2020 with just Cam under center leading a depleted arsenal of receivers. Were he to return to Foxboro in such a role he would have another year in the system, complete with a full offseason (how normal that offseason is remains to be seen). He could be a placeholder starter should the Pats invest heavily in a QB in the draft, or compete with and work alongside a veteran QB should the Patriots go that route, adding to the Patriots offensive attack. Wrinkles and layers for a team in need of talent in a league improving and evolving daily.
Skeptics will ask if this will help Newton better complete passes he short-armed or skipped to receivers. Surprise snaps or drives won’t fix any mechanical issues Cam has, but it could keep opposing defenses on their toes. Yes, the threat of “will he run or will he pass?” existed, or was supposed to, in 2020, and it didn’t yield the results the team, Newton or fans wanted. But more time in the playbook, with better receivers, and unpredictable use, could yield better results for Newton and the team. It’s worked for Hill and the Saints, and while Hill is two years younger he doesn’t have the experience or size of Newton, who may not have the arm strength he once did, but can still motor, still knock people over, and definitely still has joy for the game.
The idea might seem crazy.
Hill, who was injured often in college, has come to thrive in his unique offensive capacity. For Cam there would definitely be some convincing, creative thinking and ego management to take place. Critics in the stands and in media would likely have a field day with it. BUT, an outside-the-tackle-box thought like this could be the solution for all parties. Plus maybe it would give Cam a new nickname, like “Multi-Cam” or “Swiss Army Newton”.