Cam Newton signs with New England Patriots
The wait is finally over for fans of the New England Patriots.
Ever since Tom Brady announced earlier this year that he would be leaving the only team he had ever played for after 20 seasons and six Super Bowl triumphs, fans have understandably been concerned about the future of their franchise. On Sunday, they learned the direction the team is headed.
According to ESPN, the Patriots have signed free agent quarterback Cam Newton to a one-year deal worth a reported $7.5 million with incentives and bonuses. At 31-years-old, Newton is 12 years younger than Brady and will be entering his 10th season in the NFL having played his first nine years with the Carolina Panthers. After failing to find anybody willing to trade for Newton, the Panthers released the quarterback on March 24th, saving them over $19 million under the salary cap.
While many Patriots fans believed it was time to move on from Brady, there was plenty of skepticism as the team did not seem to have an heir lined up. They only had two quarterbacks on their roster prior to signing Newton, and neither one of them provided New England supporters with much confidence.
The Patriots selected quarterback Jarrett Stidham with their fourth-round pick in 2019, but he only appeared in a total of three games completing just two passes and throwing an interception. Veteran Brian Hoyer was the only other option on New England’s bench, but he has only managed to start in 38 games over his 11-year career.
While Newton will enter training camp as the favorite to land the starting quarterback position, the fact New England was only willing to sign the 2015 NFL to a one-year deal proves they still have questions about him as well. Despite winning a Heisman trophy, NFL MVP and making three Pro Bowl appearances, Newton made just two appearances last season suffering from a Lisfranc fracture.
Prior to ESPN reporting that Newton had signed with the Patriots, New England had already been in the headlines on Sunday for all the wrong reasons. It was revealed that the NFL has decided to fine the New England Patriots $1.1m and take away a third-round pick in 2021 as punishment for their television crew taping the field and sideline during a December 8th game between the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals. The Patriots’ television crew will also not be allowed to film any games during the 2020 NFL season.
New England have won the AFC East for 11 consecutive seasons and have only missed the playoffs once since 2003. They finished with an impressive 12-4 record last year but were forced to play in the Wild Card Round for the first time since 2009, where they ultimately lost at home 14-13 to the Tennessee Titans.
While Newton will be in first year with the franchise, expectations will still be high as Patriots fans have been spoiled with a plethora of success over the past two decades. Head coach Bill Belichick will remain at the helm as well, having led the team since 2000.
