Patriots news & rumors: Odds on Cam Newton; N’Keal Harry’s trade value

Who will win the starting job at quarterback for the New England Patriots?

Well, talent and performance on the practice field seems to point to 2021 first-round pick Mac Jones. However, veteran quarterback Cam Newton can’t be counted out. Actually, neither can third-year quarterback Jarrett Stidham.

But, with all the confidence Stidham has going into training camp, this is really a two-man showdown between Newton and Jones and according to New England Patriots insider Tom E. Curran, it is Cam Newton who will be under center come Week 1.

Noting that Newton wasn’t really pressed by Stidham or Brian Hoyer last offseason, Curran sees a more competitive situation this time around which should bring out the best in the former 2015 NFL MVP.

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Curran writes:

"“There are pieces in place that an accurate, decisive quarterback can take advantage of. Jones will. But so will Newton, who throws it better than people thought he would. Newton wins the job coming out of camp by just a nose, setting up a week-to-week “Can Cam keep his job …” scenario early in the season.”"

Those pieces include the tight end tandem of Jonnu Smith and Hunter Henry along with a group of running backs who have pass-catching ability out of the outfield. While the wide receiver position is still a question mark, even with the addition of Nelson Agholor and Kendrick Bourne, the pieces do seem to favor the game of Newton as more of the safe choice at least at the beginning of the season.

NFL rumors: Patriots will be lucky to get a 6th round pick for N’Keal Harry

Talk about draft bust.

If the New England Patriots grant former first-round pick N’Keal Harry his wish to be traded, the return value is no higher than a 6th round pick according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.

Talked to league exec who estimates N'Keal Harry will be worth a conditional 6th Rd pick. Teams expected to have interest. Harry will be looking for offense to utilize as contested catch guy, size and strength in red zone and deep. Speed-and-precision offense probably not for him
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) July 8, 2021

Given his lack of production through his first two seasons in the NFL, that sounds about right. In Harry’s defense, he did miss half of his rookie year due to injury, but when he was on the field, he showed a lack of ability to separate from defenders and also had a tough time grasping the offense.

With just 45 receptions for 414 yards and 4 touchdowns in his first two seasons in the NFL, Harry is seeking a fresh start in a situation in which he can excel as a “contested catch guy.” The best situation for him to do that seems to be from the team he’s trying to get away from.

With the additions of Nelson Agholor and Kendrick Bourne, the Patriots have improved the wide receiver position. But they still lack that No. 1 receiver guy. Not saying N’Keal Harry will transform into that overnight, but with two seasons in the system under his belt, the Arizona State product could’ve finally emerged as a consistent target.

Actually, he still can. But, it seems the damage has already been done.