Patriots reuniting with Cam Newton on one-year contract always felt like the only move
The New England Patriots have their solution at quarterback for the 2021 season and they’re hoping familiarity gets the job done.
Cam Newton has reportedly agreed to a one-year contract worth close to $14 million despite his largely disappointing 2020 campaign, but this time around he’ll have an entire offseason to work with his teammates and should avoid another COVID-19 pause in the middle of the year.
This always felt like it was going to happen, especially after Matthew Stafford shunned the Patriots before being dealt to the Rams.
On top of that, everyone knew Bill Belichick wasn’t going to get ripped off on the trade market after seeing what Stafford and Carson Wentz got their former teams in return.
New England has a ton of cap space, so they might as well spend it.
And with so few options in free agency, going with the guy who showed great flashes of potential in the Pats offensive system last year was likely the safest move.
Comp update: Patriots are finalizing a 1-year deal worth close to $14 million for Cam Newton to return to New England, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 12, 2021
Jim McBride of the Boston Globe was the first to break the news and then ESPN’s Adam Schefter came through with the contract details.
This hardly puts a dent in the team’s fruitful cap space situation (they wielded nearly $70 million before this move) and getting Cam the proper protection after trading for Trent Brown could completely change the game.
Often times, though he did hold onto the ball too long more than fans would’ve liked to see, Newton was under duress due to the troubles the offensive line faced in 2020. Injuries, opt outs and COVID-19 in general did not provide Belichick with his usual stout unit.
Patriots are bringing back Cam Newton but it doesn’t preclude them from making another QB move in the weeks to come, per league sources. This move locks in a QB heading into free agency. https://t.co/hgf4ZhqM5w
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 12, 2021
Now, it’ll be all about getting weapons around Newton in the coming weeks. Free agency is set to begin on March 17 and, at the very least, the Pats have their quarterback to pitch skill players they’re trying to bring to New England, which was reportedly one of their bigger concerns. The top available wideouts and tight ends will know who they’ll be working with, so they’ll likely feel more comfortable signing on than if, say, Jarrett Stidham was the only QB on the roster.
However, reports shortly after the Newton deal broke suggested that the team isn’t necessarily done making a move at quarterback. We don’t entirely know what that means, but it seems like they might bring in a more reliable backup or perhaps use a draft pick on a prospect to work under Newton for a year before taking the reins in 2022.
But for now, hopefully this helps Belichick bring some playmakers to town. We saw what this offense was capable of in short spurts without superior talent. Factor in a new-look offensive line with that potent running game, a new wideout, and a reliable security blanket tight end, and this is a completely new Patriots team.
