New England Patriots: 3 ways re-signing Cam Newton makes sense

Michael DeVito

FOXBOROUGH, MA - JANUARY 3, 2021: Cam Newton #1 of the New England Patriots celebrates after scoring a touchdown in the second half against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium on January 3, 2021 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images)

The New England Patriots have reportedly signed Cam Newton to a one-year contract that could be worth close to $14 million.

As one who has in the past indicated that it would certainly be a solid option for New England to re-sign Newton (suggesting at the time maybe a three-year deal), there’s a lot to like about re-signing the former MVP, especially for only one year.

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But there are caveats to the signing and this analysis explores three of them. It will take into account his performance last season, the salary and length of the contract, and the opportunity cost that the Patriots passed up by going in this direction.

As has been written in these pages before, Cam Newton is a top quarterback, a former MVP, and a real asset to any team for which he plays. He was not to blame for the Patriots failures in 2020.

This young man excels, not only on the field but off the field, as well. He’s a real leader as indicated by his being elected a captain right out of the gate last season, a terrific person, and a great teammate. What’s not to like about this signing, especially since it only is only on a one-year deal.

The Patriots could have done lots worse with some of the names being thrown around in the past 3 months. While this signing is not a long-term solution, is a solid step for now and it indicates that New England is not looking to fade into oblivion in 2021.

What remains to be seen though is what they will do to help Newton be all that he can be in a New England Patriots’ blue shirt this season. What they will do now in free agency and in this year’s draft could not only set the stage for success this season but for future success, as well.

First, the New England Patriots’ signing Cam Newton makes good sense, if …

It’s been argued here before that the best option for New England would be to go all-in on one of two bonafide NFL star quarterbacks, to pay the freight, whatever it might be, and get a deal done for either Deshaun Watson or Russell Wilson.

As predicted, Bill Belichick and Co. didn’t make that boldest of moves by trading whatever it would have taken to land one of the two quarterbacks mentioned previously, should they have actually have been on the market (an important caveat).

Second, the Patriots have to get Cam Newton offensive weapons to be able to compete.

Now that it seems Newton will be at the helm next season (that is not a bad proposition at all), it behooves the Patriots brain trust to do what is necessary to bolster his supporting cast.

Last season, they did basically nothing to provide the offense with top-skill position players either before or after signing Newton. If the same takes place this season, expect the Patriots to flop once more and be again looking skyward at the Buffalo Bills and the Miami Dolphins.

Let’s hope they don’t make that same mistakes in 2021. What they need to do is jettison some of the older pieces on offense and infuse the skill positions with something that for the most part (with Julian Edelman and free agent James White excepted) is lacking, top talent.

After Edelman went out with an injury, Newton had little to work with. The result was poor production and unnecessary losses that should be chalked up to the personnel operation and coaching, not to Newton.

Since this outfit infrequently provided even the great Tom Brady with much in that sphere, it’s questionable if they will now do what is necessary for Newton. But let’s hope the embarrassing 2020 season will for once spur them to do what is required. But don’t count on it.

If not, don’t expect much more than what the Patriots delivered this season. Boring mediocrity. They need to bring in an NFL-qualified great receiver, another good receiver, a top NFL tight end, and a running back or two. At a minimum.

Third, New England Patriots must do whatever it takes to land that quarterback of the future.

Keeping Newton, hopefully, signifies that the New England Patriots will do whatever it takes to draft a top young quarterback to learn under Newton in 2021. No problem with that dynamic here, at all, if, they go really big in the draft to do so, whatever the cost in picks/players.

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They can still make the necessary splash for the team going forward, and for their suffering fans (after the trash-dumping of the greatest quarterback ever) if they prove they are serious about re-building a contender by drafting a top young quarterback.

It seems clear that there are several in the draft who might be available to New England if they trade up or maybe even if they do not.

The two being mentioned more frequently as possible selections are Trey Lance from North Dakota State and Mac Jones from Alabama.

Assuming Trevor Lawrence from Clemson, the top dog in the draft is off-the-table, it would still likely take a monstrous deal to bring in the second or third-ranked quarterbacks, Justin Fields from Ohio State and Zach Wilson from BYU.

A move for either of those two would likely take at least two first-round picks and maybe other picks. It says here that if they feel one of those two is that good, then just go for it. Whatever it takes.

The major point here is this, the Patriots need a young arm around whom to build. And he should be taken in this year’s draft, next month.

Those are three comments on signing Cam Newton who was much better than most gave him credit for last season. Should the Patriots go all-in on a young arm, it’s a reasonable way to proceed to remake this team into a contender. Let’s see if they can rise to the challenge.

Michael DeVito

Michael is a long-time New England Patriots fan. He closely follows the Patriots' offseason team-building activities, including the Patriots' Draft, Free Agency, and Undrafted Free Agency. Michael also follows all Boston sports. He is also a big fan of the Chelsea Football Club in the English Premier League.