Cam Newton Reacts to Signing Deal, Joining Patriots

Getty Cam Newton

Former NFL MVP Cam Newton has agreed to sign a one-year deal with the New England Patriots. Newton spoke for the first time on Sunday night via message. He’s expected to come in, compete and likely win the starting job over Jarrett Stidham.

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This message was posted to Newton’s Instagram story:

GettyCam Newton

This is a strong and positive introduction to the Patriots’ fanbase. Newton comes with health concerns after he missed all but two games of the 2019 season. However, he’s still just 31 years old and likely feeling refreshed after having such a long time to recover from a variety of injuries.

When he’s at his best, there are few on his level. During the 2015 season, Newton led the Panthers to a 15-1 record and a berth in the Super Bowl. That season Newton threw for 3,837 yards, complete just under 60 percent of his passes, tossed 35 touchdowns, and just 10 interceptions. Ever the threat as a runner, the 6’5″ 245-pounder also ran for 10 touchdowns.

The former No. 1 overall pick has accounted for 240 TDs in his career, and if he’s healthy, there is no reason he shouldn’t have a few more left in his arms and legs.

Even if Newton doesn’t work out for any reason; he turns out not to be healthy, or his skills have eroded and he is unable to outplay Stidham for the top spot, the Patriots are in a no-lose situation. Further examination of the contract and situation proves this is vintage Patriots.

The deal is a low-cost agreement upfront and only pays at a higher cost if Newton proves himself. It doesn’t have to mean the team is abandoning its plans for Stidham. It simply means they aren’t going to hand him the job on a silver platter.

Stidham will have to win it, and he now has more formidable competition in the form of an uber-athletic, rested, and motivated former league MVP who will likely be playing for his next contract in the NFL.

The competition the Patriots have created in their QB room will likely turn out to be something that is good for the team on all fronts.

 

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