Patriots: Cam Newton contract details prove people shouldn’t panic

New England Patriots fans probably girded themselves for Cam Newton’s return about a month ago, despite reports that leaked in the aftermath of Week 17 that the two sides had mutually parted.

Turns out, they had…just long enough for Newton to get called out by a teenager at his skills camp. After that fracas, both parties relented.

Newton’s 2020 struggles have colored Patriots fans’ perceptions of him — and rightfully so. After all, his busted-up campaign is the only one they’ve witnessed first-hand.

It doesn’t take a lot of mental gymnastics to envision Newton’s 2021 being an improvement, however.

Another year removed from shoulder surgery. Added weapons. No COVID pause. Full offseason. No uncertainty before training camp. Comfort in the region and locker room. An existing example of Newton at his very best in this uniform (the Seattle game).

If that laundry list of optimism doesn’t sway Patriots fans that a Newton reunion is perfectly acceptable, then perhaps his new contract details will help them realize they’re arguing with the air.

Patriots QB Cam Newton Contract Details

Shocker: the reported “$14 million” contract was completely inaccurate. It’s almost like those who reported the figures that way initially wanted to get Pats Nation upset. Huh!

Unless Newton has the greatest season of his career — something Patriots fans would absolutely approve of allocating $14 million of someone else’s money towards — the deal is much closer to a $5 million maximum.

Not only is that “insurance policy” money, but it would lead you to believe New England acted fast to secure a player they formed a good relationship with, but aren’t done examining the QB position.

With the amount of cap space the Patriots have at their disposal this offseason, complaining about adding Newton to the QB mix at this price is the equivalent of whining about grabbing a Snickers bar on the way out of Ikea after buying a bed frame and dresser.

It’s far better to have Mike Wallace’s take of goofing on the teenager who disrespected Newton, who is truly the only “loser” here.

If New England goes into 2021 with Newton as their starter, that would mean he impressed all summer long. If Newton makes $14 million, that would mean he won Super Bowl MVP.

Unless a fantasy materializes, there’s no need for fans to fret about the figures.

Patriots: Julian Edelman and teammates react to Cam Newton returning to NE

Edelman hyped up the Cam Newton signing on Instagram. Running back Damien Harris and wide receiver Damiere Byrd offered similar praise for the Patriots QB