Patriots: Buzz of Cam Newton’s return growing louder

The New England Patriots are currently in search of their third starting quarterback in as many seasons, though there haven’t been any real rumors linking them with a potential solution just yet.

However, a report from over the weekend shed some possible light on their plans to address the vacancy.

Per draft scout Matt Miller, the Patriots aren’t expected to draft a quarterback with any of their early-round selections this year.

Instead, they’re focused on bringing in another veteran, whether it be through free agency or trade.

With that in mind, it shouldn’t be a coincidence that rumors about a potential Cam Newton reunion have been gaining momentum over the last few days.

ESPN insider Mike Reiss, who is as well-informed about the Patriots as any reporter in the industry, believes that they could re-sign Newton, while staying prepared by adding another serviceable quarterback if he were to endure similar struggles after a full offseason.

Even ESPN analyst and former star receiver Keyshawn Johnson is of the mindset that Newton returning to the Patriots is in the cards, forecasting such a reality during a bold prediction segment on “NFL Live” this week.

It sounds like Cam Newton returning to the Patriots is a real possibility.

We value Reiss’ insider opinion more than Johnson’s (sorry!), but the fact that both of them are thinking the same way here proves that fans shouldn’t rule out Newton returning to the Patriots, even though it was reported leading up to Week 17 that both sides mutually agreed to go their separate ways in the offseason.

If that somehow wasn’t enough to convince you that there’s serious legs to this rumor, another Patriots insider, Evan Lazar of CLNS Media, recently reported that the door revealing Newton’s return isn’t fully closed and both sides haven’t ruled out a potential reunion.

This is probably the last thing fans wanted to hear given how indecisive and off-target the three-time Pro Bowler was under center in 2020, but his familiarity with the playbook and acceptance of the team’s culture certainly bodes well for his chances to be considered as an option for 2021.

On top of that, a full offseason would allow his shoulder the requisite time to get fully healed, which really appeared to hinder his arm strength and throwing motion in 2020.

Who knows? Maybe a healthy shoulder and a replenished receiving corps could be just what the doctor ordered for Newton to reach the levels everybody expected him to play at this past season.

No matter where you fall on the Newton debate, the bottom line is that the lack of compelling quarterback options this offseason makes him a real candidate to return to the Patriots for a second season.

Don’t say we didn’t warn you.

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