Not too many people know Cam Newton like Greg Olsen does.
After all, Olsen was one of Newton's favorite targets in Carolina as he had three, 1,000-yard receiving seasons with him as his quarterback. The tight end also has a career in media following his playing days, so he's likely going to be more honest than most players.
And appearing on ESPN's First Take Thursday, Olsen had tons of positive things to say about Newton joining New England, including calling the one-year contract the "all-time greatest deal."
“My head popped off when I found out how much he signed for. It’s the all-time greatest deal,” he said. “New England is going to find out pretty quick what a special competitor he is.”
Newton's deal has less than $1 million guaranteed and is worth up to $7.5 million if the Patriots win the Super Bowl.
Olsen went on to say how Newton is closer to the way Bill Belichick operates than some think.
“From talking to guys that have played in New England, I think the public persona of Bill is one thing — and I’m sure there’s truth to some of that — I think behind closed doors he understands what each of his players individually needs,” he said. “The support they need, the space they might need at times to bring out their best. If you look across Belichick’s coaching career, he’s coached a lot of different styles of players.
“The one thing he’s going to learn about Cam is no one wants to win more than him, nobody’s gonna come every day and practice harder and train harder and prepare better. The things that Cam does so well are pretty much that whole ‘Patriot Way’ of everything is about winning. Cam is going to check all those boxes, so I don’t think they’re going to have any issues on that front.
“Is he going to dress different after the game than some of the other quarterbacks? Of course. Cam is his own person. But never at any moment does it ever take away his willingness and his preparation to go out there and win first and foremost. I think that would resonate with all coaches around the league, not just in New England.”
Newton will be competing with second-year player Jarrett Stidham, but as long as Newton proves he's healthy the job is likely his.
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