Last Sunday, Cam Newton finally found a home, signing a one-year deal with the New England Patriots. Newton's signing with the team helps the Pats after dealing with the loss of franchise stalwart and icon Tom Brady. Newton, who has dealt with injuries over the last two seasons, only played in two games for the Carolina Panthers in 2019 before being shut down for the season with a foot injury. A lost season resulted in a change for the franchise from the top down. The Panthers signed Teddy Bridgewater and after initially looking for trade offers for Newton opted to release the former number one overall pick. Now with Newton as a Patriot, his presence brings a lot of questions, optimism, and changes to the game for the franchise and AFC. With so much on the signing, there are some interesting things to know about Newton in New England.
The Patriots Make A Little History In Getting Newton
GiphyAccording to The Elias Sports Bureau, The Patriots are the first team in NFL history to lose a former league MVP and sign one in the same off-season. Despite the large difference in stats, league, and Super Bowl MVP's between Brady and Newton, adding a former MVP to the roster can add a boost to your locker room. For a team to lose an MVP and add a veteran journeyman or find a successful quarterback to your roster can be a matter of waiting, salary cap, or just getting lucky. Knowing Newton's capability when healthy and compared to the quarterback on the Patriots roster having a veteran with success in the NFL from Pro Bowl's, Offensive Rookie of The Year, and other accomplishments over nine seasons, they hope he brings more success his way. It is tough to lose and replace arguably the greatest quarterback to ever play, but not a bad trade-off with a QB as successful and decorated as Newton this past decade.
Newton's Contract
person writing on paper
Photo by Adeolu Eletu on UnsplashOn paper Newton's contract is a simple one-year $7.5 million dollar deal, however; despite the deal being a money-saving move for the Patriots, the money Newton will make in New England breaks down to minimum of service this season. $550K of the $1.05M base is guaranteed ,$700K in per-game roster bonuses, and $5.75M in available incentives. Newton's deal also has no clause preventing New England from franchise tagging him in 2021. Meaning, if Newton plays well and potentially seeks a long term deal, New England does have the option to tag him if there are still issues with the team's salary cap. With his minimal contract, Newton's salary is less than several backups across the league, like Detroit Lions QB Chase Daniel who this offseason earned a three-year $13.05 million deal, including a $2.25 million signing bonus. Sadly, it's a far cry from his $103.8 million dollar deal with the Panthers, receiving criticism from players like 49ers cornerback Richard Sherman, but Newton has stated "THIS IS NOT ABOUT MONEY FOR ME; it's about RESPECT." Earning his pay against the doubters and critics against the former league MVP.
If Newton's the Starter he'll be the first non-drafted Patriots QB in over 27 years
When training camp begins Newton will be in an interesting quarterback competition Jarrett Stidham, Brian Hoyer, and undrafted signing Brian Lewkere. If Newton wins the job out of training camp, he'll be the first player in 27 years who wasn't drafted by New England to get a start at the position. Previous starters who played for the Patriots were drafted by the team were Drew Bledsoe, Matt Cassell, Jimmy Garoppolo, and Jacoby Brissett all played and were homegrown Patriot talent. The last quarterback who wasn't drafted by the Patriots who actually ended up starting for the team came in 1993 when Scott Secules went 0-4 during his only year in Foxborough (Secules was originally drafted by the Cowboys in 1988). If Newton wins a single start for the Patriots, he'll become the first Patriots quarterback who wasn't drafted by the team to win a game in New England since 1991. Currently, that honor belongs to Hugh Millen, who was originally drafted by the Rams in 1986 before ending up in New England for two years (1991-92). If healthy and plays to the Cam we all know he'll be able to do it.
The Patriots are back as AFC favorites
New England's Super Bowl odds did improve slightly after signing Newton. Within the AFC they jumped ahead of the Pittsburgh Steelers and fellow division rival Buffalo Bills. Oddsmakers previously saw Newton's Ideal destination being in Foxborough and On Sunday night, the Patriots jumped from 25-1 odds to win the Super Bowl pre-Newton to 20-1 after signing the QB. That bumped them up to the eighth-best odds in the NFL, up from the 10th-best prior to adding Newton to their roster. What on the outside looked like a down year prior to Newton's arrival now seems like a big chance of the Patriots making a statement to still be on of the teams to go through in the AFC. A conference with a potential top three juggernaut with Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson, and Cam Newton, AFC, and the rest of the NFL beware.
Changes the outlook for the 2021 draft
With the signing and depending on if all goes well with Newton in New England the immediate need at the marquee position with the talent of the quarterback position in next years draft means the idea of getting Clemson's Trevor Lawrence or Ohio State's Justin Fields may leave New England without a young QB to have over the next decade or so. Even if it is one year depending on how well new England plays means that for free agency, the 2022 NFL draft and the postseason picture will come into play with the new format. At 31 and knowing the longevity of the position in the NFL Newton may have some more years left in the tank. If this goes well New England could have their long term answer, but there are variables to consider like if it doesn't work to the Patriots liking, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter Newton will most likely turn into a high 2022 compensatory pick, replacing the 2021 third-rounder they lost in the videotape scandal. For now, the predicted plans of the Patriots to Land the Top prospects are out the door meaning now the door is open for teams to get either of the two to not worry of the Patriots behind their backs in landing Fields or Lawrence.
The AFC East can still run through New England
New England Patriots on fieldPhoto by Stephane Coudassot-Berducou on UnsplashSince 2009, the Patriots have on the AFC East over 11 straight seasons and the division looked this offseason before Newton's arrival there would be a new king on the AFC East throne. It was expected to be Buffalo after finishing 2019 with their first 10 win season in over a decade while almost dethroning the Pats as champions this year. With adding Stefon Diggs to their stacked receiving core, getting A.J Epenesa in the draft, and their returning talent from a year ago with great coaching by Sean McDermott, the Bills were expected to gun to win the division and be contenders in winning the AFC. With Newton New England's odds at winning a 12th straight AFC East title improved just about everywhere Sunday night. Sportsline now gives the Patriots a 55 percent chance to win the division (up from 28.2 percent with Jarrett Stidham under center). Sportsline also bumped up New England's win total to 9.3 with Newton at quarterback, up from 7.8 wins with Stidham. This season Bills vs Patriots matchups this season will definitely be key to watch knowing how high the stakes are with both teams gunning for a division title and high seeding for the playoffs. The East could still be anyone's game even for the Jets and Dolphins depending if things go as planned. Belichick has won games without Brady including a full season back in 2008 when Brady tore his ACL and Matt Cassel led the Patriots to an 11-5 season, but sadly missed the playoffs with the last division champion that was not New England being the Miami Dolphins completing a worst to first turn around. The odds favor New England for now, but definitely get your popcorn ready for what looks to be the most interesting and exciting season for the AFC East for the first time in a long time.
Newton is a top favorite to win comeback player of the year
GiphyNow in New England, Newton saw his chance to win Comeback Player of the Year shortens from +1800 to +340, trailing only Pittsburgh Steelers' quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. "Put simply, this indicates that the implied probability increased from 5.26 percent to 22.73 percent," said Oddschecker Spokesman Pete Watt in an SB Nation article. "This is in no small part down to the fact that 96% of all bets placed on the market in the last 12 hours have backed Newton." Newton himself saw his odds cut in both the Comeback Player of the Year and Regular Season MVP awards, while the Patriots overall Super Bowl odds also were increased. Betting against Cam Newton would be a bad idea according to former Panthers and new Redskins head coach Ron Rivera. If he starts and plays to the level that he is capable, it will be a win for the pats and those who bet on Ace Boogie coming in clutch.
First Heisman trophy winning Quarterback to start for Bill Belichick in over 25 years
In his illustrious coaching career, Bill Belichick has had countless great players, future and current Hall of Famers, but until Newton has only had three other former Heisman trophy winning Quarterbacks on his roster. Tim Tebow during the 2015 preseason, Doug Flutie during the 2005 season and Vinny Testaverde in 2006. The last time Belichick had a starting Quarterback, not in New England was during his first head coaching job with the Cleveland Browns when in 1995 he had Testaverde, a former first-overall pick and 1986 Heisman Trophy winner in his final year as the Browns Head Coach. Granted Testaverde was the New York Jets starter when Belichick was the defensive coordinator in 1998 and was on the roster as Brady's back up in 2006 but only threw one touchdown pass in the season finale against the Titans in the final minutes. For Newton, it will be the first time in a long time where Belichick will have a starting Quarterback with Newton credentials as a former Heisman Trophy winner, number one overall pick and national champion, but compared to all before him, Newton achieved these accolades all in one season being the only quarterback in the modern era to do so. Newton will also be the first Heisman Trophy-winning starter the Patriots had since Jim Plunkett. Hopefully, more will come towards the Patriots with Newton's track record of success.
Newton remains unbeaten facing the Patriots
Depending on if Newton goes elsewhere after this season at least he can claim he is one of only two quarterbacks to have never lost to the Patriots in multiple games during the Belichick era in his NFL career. The only other signal-caller who can claim that title is former Broncos starter Jake Plummer who between 2005 and 2006 beat the Patriots three straight times including the 2005 divisional playoff game which ended the prospect of a three-peat for Belichick. In Newton's two victories he averaged 525 passing yards, 106 rushing yards, six passing touchdowns, and one interception in those games. His passer rating (128.2) and yards per attempt (9.2) are better against the Patriots than against any other opponent. Those two games he's played against the Patriots—one in 2013, the other in 2017—are two of the best of his career. It should be noted when considering these figures came against the Patriots, that's pretty impressive and shows that you can play against the best. Belichick acknowledged the talent and knows how tough it is to go against Newton ."I think when you're talking about mobile quarterbacks, guys that are tough to handle, tackle, can throw, run, make good decisions—I mean, I would put Newton at the top of the list," Belichick said then. "He makes good decisions, he can run, he's strong, he's hard to tackle. He can do a lot of different things, beat you in a lot of different ways. We saw that in the game down there in '13, so I would put him at the top of the list. Not saying the other guys aren't a problem, because they are, but he's public enemy no. 1." Always an edge to have someone with that skill play for you and not against you.
Under Armor will remain as a starter in New England
The switch from Tom Brady to Cam Newton is a big difference in game style, athleticism, and overall offensive play, but one thing the two QB's share other than being with Belichick is being with the same, Under Armor. Since 2010 Tom Brady has been with the brand and has a financial stake in the company, while Newton joined in 2011, but was with UA during his year at Auburn winning the National Championship the same year. Brady showed love on Instagram with Newton signing with his former team, It seems as things change for the Patriots one thing remains, Their QBs are one of the many brand ambassadors as one of the top sportswear brands in the country. If Newton and Brady are lucky to play each other which this season the matchup being in the Superbowl not only would be a great storyline for the game but also a win for the brand having in a sense an Under Armor Bowl with their top athletes in the big game. If Newton wins the Job in camp its a win for Under Armor continuing on for another year with a star QB as a brand athlete in Gillette Stadium.
Newton is already in the lab getting ready for the upcoming season. The Patriots took a chance where they saw talent and now like them or not they are still fighting as one of the top teams in the NFL. If the season goes on as planned it will truly be an exciting one to watch with number 1 now in red, white, and blue.
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