Cam Newton is back in the Patriots with a friendly one-year contract. And many in New England are at war with the decision.
Newton was a modest 7-8 as the team’s full-back last season, and he certainly didn’t outperform most Patriot fans who got used to Tom Brady leading New England into the playoffs. Newton and the Patriots, of course, missed the postseason for the first time since 2008 last season.
This caused many to have a negative reaction to news about Newton’s return. But that was not the case at all, as ESPN’s Monday Night Football analyst Louis Riddick seemed to be among the happy New England is giving the ex-NFL MVP another chance.
“Cam signed at the end of the process last year, was coming out of an injury, learning a totally new system (with) totally new terminology without any off-season work on the system, without legitimate perimeter weapons, received COVID, lost a lot of time practice … BUT most of you miss it. Interesting, ”Riddick tweeted on Friday.
“This year will be a much more accurate sample of where he is at this point in his career. I will reserve my judgment there, knowing what I know about the challenges he faced in 2020, ”added Riddick.
Riddick isn’t the only one who seems to feel that way either.
Several Patriot players, including receiver Julian Edelman, are among those who hope that Newton has another chance. Newton confirmed his return in an Instagram post.
The caller will return with a modest base salary of $ 5 million, with numerous incentives that are perhaps difficult to achieve, making his contract up to $ 14 million.
Miniature photo via Jasen Vinlove / USA TODAY Sports Images