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Cam Newton, Patriots Agree To Terms On One-Year Deal
Cam Newton has been without a NFL home since March. That finally changed Sunday night.
According to multiple reports, the former MVP has agreed to a one-year deal to join coach Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots.
Newton has a 2-0 record against the Patriots during his time with the Panthers.
By all accounts, it’s a low salary, one-year deal with plenty of incentives. And it gives Newton a chance to supplant another former Auburn quarterback who had been atop the depth chart in New England following Tom Brady‘s departure for Tampa Bay: Jarrett Stidham.
As a source with knowledge of the situation explained it to Profootballtalk.com's Mike Florio, the opportunity to play for Belichick in the New England system and to re-energize his image were major factors in the decision. The move also gives Newton all of training camp to earn the starting job over Stidham and, in theory, Brian Hoyer.
The Patriots view it as a low-risk deal, and they’ve accepted all risks regarding Newton’s health because he’s dying to prove himself.
Of course, it's been a dramatic fall for Newton, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft.
He instantly became the face of the Panthers franchise, leading them to three straight NFC South titles from 2013-2015, a Super Bowl, and four total postseason appearances. Newton went on to earn the 2015 NFL MVP award and was named to three Pro Bowls during his run in Carolina.
Overall, he has passed for 29,041 yards with 182 touchdowns and 108 interceptions and has rushed for 4,806 yards and 58 touchdowns.
The situation in Carolina deteriorated quickly, however, as injuries took their toll over the past three seasons.
Newton underwent multiple shoulder surgeries and missed all but two games in 2019 due to a foot injury that ultimately required a procedure. The lingering health questions left no team willing to part ways with draft assets to acquire a quarterback on the last year of his contract and who would likely have wanted an extension.
Now, given the change of circumstances, the Patriots were able to swoop in to give Newton a chance at redemption.
We'll continue to watch for more.
