NEWSLETTER
After drafting Justin Fields, I thought I was kissing goodbye to reflexively wanting the Bears to kick the tires on big-name quarterbacks who make it onto the market.
It turns out old habits die hard, and I at least flinched for a second:
The #Patriots have released Cam Newton, source said.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 31, 2021
NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero reports the Patriots are parting ways with Cam Newton. The 2015 NFL MVP and three-time Pro Bowler signed with New England in 2020, then re-signed with the team in the offseason. Newton looked to be in line to be the starter to begin the season while rookie first-round pick Mac Jones was getting seasoning as his backup. Instead, Jones gets the keys to the car out of the gate.
To be clear, I have no interest in the Bears looping around to Newton now that he is available. Sometimes, funny anecdotes as ledes are just that. HOWEVER … Newton’s availability could impact Chicago’s football team. That’s because Newton making it on to the open market dings whatever trade market the Bears could’ve had to move Nick Foles. Chicago is trying (in vain?) to move Foles in a deal that would open up cap space and a roster spot. But with Newton being available at what might be a lower cap number and without needing to trade a draft pick, trading for Foles just doesn’t make sense. (Unless the Patriots want a new back-up …. )
Keeping it local, I can’t help but see this news and think about how this isn’t going to help calm the flames of folks wanting the Bears to move on from Andy Dalton and start Justin Fields. And while it would’ve been worth the conversation had the Bears treated their situation like the Pats with split reps and Fields working more with the first team, that’s not how it went down. Makes you wonder if the Bears were doing the right thing this entire summer, doesn’t it? Bill Belichick is kinda good at this coaching thing, isn’t he? Seems like he probably knows what he’s doing.
In any case, Mac Jones will start the season as QB1 for the Patriots and Justin Fields will start the … as the scout team QB1 for the Bears.
