Cam Newton’s reputation among players in the NFL and world of football has been up for debate of late.
One of the perceived positives for the Patriots in re-signing the veteran quarterback this week is that he might still hold some value in terms of recruiting players on the free agent market. At the very least having a known commodity at the position rather than a would-be plan could be alluring to certain targets.
But after such an horrific first year in Foxborough, one in which Newton threw for a mere eight touchdowns while ranking near the bottom of the league in many passing categories – he did rush for 12 scores – does the former NFL MVP and man previously known as Superman still have the same aura within the football fraternity that he once did?
He does to at least one young, opposing defender, as Colts All-Pro linebacker Darius Leonard took to Twitter on Monday to share his thoughts on the criticism that Newton has shouldered over the last few months following a tough first year in Foxborough.
“I can’t wait to see @CameronNewton go to work this season with a full off season with the Patriots!” Leonard tweeted. “Dude a baller man, y’all be tripping!”
Newton re-signed with the Patriots this week to another one-year deal, this one reportedly worth a guaranteed $3.5 and a total possible value of nearly $14 million if Newton and the Patriots were to have an elite bounce back season in 2021.
Leonard, for one, apparently wouldn’t be surprised if that were to happen.
