What would we call the Cam Newton Experience in New England last year? A miss? Passable? A shrug? It feels like a shrug to me.
The team, at 7-9, was not particularly successful, and Newton, 31, was a shell of his former MVP-caliber self. But everyone knew that would be the case coming into the thing, with Newton coming off multiple significant injuries and just trying to re-establish himself as a serviceable NFL quarterback. At at 82.9 rating (28th out of 35 qualified QBs), 177.1 yard/game, 8 touchdowns, 10 picks, and another 12 touchdowns on the ground, did he do that? I think reasonable minds could debate it, but it was enough for the Patriots to decide to keep him for another year:
Comp update: Patriots are finalizing a 1-year deal worth close to $14 million for Cam Newton to return to New England, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 12, 2021
In a tight cap year, and given the yes-probably-still-upside in Newton, it’s hard to see Newton returning to be the back-up. But Schefter leaves open the possibility:
Patriots are bringing back Cam Newton but it doesn’t preclude them from making another QB move in the weeks to come, per league sources. This move locks in a QB heading into free agency. https://t.co/hgf4ZhqM5w
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 12, 2021
My bet? As far as the carousel goes, the Patriots are off. They may yet draft a long-term QB to serve under Newton in 2021 (or take over if ready), but he’s going to open the season as the guy. Just what the ole gut says.
UPDATE: Good lord, this is not “close to $14 million”:
Cam Newton's contract with the #Patriots has a $5 million base value, according to sources:
$2m signing bonus
$1.5m base salary (guaranteed)
$1.5m total in per-game roster bonusesThe rest ($9m) is in incentives for playoffs, Pro Bowl, All-Pro, MVP, Super Bowl MVP, etc.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 12, 2021
At a figure that might wind up closer to $4 million than $14 million, all the more reason to believe the Patriots are still potentially out there in the QB market. Had I known this earlier, my gut would’ve said something very different!