The New England Patriots will re-sign quarterback Cam Newton to a one-year deal that’s worth up to $14 million, a source confirmed to The Athletic’s Jeff Howe on Friday. The deal, which is also heavy on incentives, does not guarantee that Newton is the Patriots’ starter.
Newton threw for 2,657 yards, eight touchdowns and 10 interceptions in 2020, his first season in New England. He also ranked first among QBs with 12 rushing touchdowns and third with 592 rushing yards.
The three-time Pro-Bowler missed one game after testing positive for COVID-19 in October.
Newton, a former NFL MVP, led the Patriots to a 7-9 season in which they missed the playoffs for the first time since 2008.
How does Newton fit into the Patriots’ grand free-agency scheme?
Jeff Howe, Patriots beat writer: Here’s the most important thing. This contract will not prevent the Patriots from continuing to scour the quarterback market via trade, free agency and the draft. There’s a feeling in Foxboro that Newton would have performed better in 2020 if he had more help around him at wide receiver and tight end, and a decent chunk of the Patriots’ $68 million in cap space will go toward rectifying that issue. Newton should improve with more help around him, but he must also play better in his own right.
Breaking down the numbers
Howe: It’s unclear how much money is guaranteed in Newton’s contract, but it sounds like enough to be sure he’ll be on the roster for the full season, even if he doesn’t win the starting job. Backup quarterbacks earn plenty of guaranteed money, too: Taysom Hill ($17 million), Nick Foles ($17 million), Case Keenum ($8 million), Marcus Mariota ($7.5 million), Tyrod Taylor ($6 million) and Chase Daniel ($5 million).
It won’t be a $14 million cap hit. Based on the incentives ― this is just a guess ― it might be closer to $8-10 million. If Newton earns the $14 million, it’d mean he had a terrific season.
What’s next?
Howe: The Patriots have remained active on the trade front, and they’ve aggressively scouted quarterback prospects Zach Wilson, Trey Lance, Justin Fields and Mac Jones. So far, the veteran trade market has been inflated, which has kept Jimmy Garoppolo in San Francisco and Marcus Mariota in Las Vegas. If those teams drop their prices, the Patriots could add to the quarterback competition.
The Patriots could also attempt to move up the draft board to find their long-term answer at quarterback. Lance, for example, probably needs to sit for a season and would benefit from learning behind Newton. Their quarterback puzzle is not yet complete
(Photo: Winslow Townson / USA Today)
