The Patriots will again sign quarterback Cam Newton for a one-year contract, according to a league source.
Newton spent the 2020 season in New England as Tom Brady’s replacement, and went through 2,657 yards and eight touchdowns. He also missed part of the season after testing positive for COVID-19.
The former NFL MVP had strong games early in the 2020 season, including a stellar performance in a September defeat against Seattle, but was totally inconsistent at the end of the season. A fight with COVID and injuries to important teammates like Julian Edelman, David Andrews and Rex Burkhead did not help. He ended with career losses (as a starter) in submissions, passing yards and touchdowns, with the team finishing 7-9.
Newton set a new franchise record for the most yards in a season for a quarterback with 592. The Patriots went 7-9 and missed the playoffs.
In February, Newton said on the podcast “I Am Athlete” that he was interested in signing again with the Patriots.
“Yes, of course,” said Newton. “I’m getting tired of changing, bro. I’m reaching a point in my career where I know a lot more than I did last year. “
Newton also believed it would be better a second time with the Patriots’ reception corps.
“Play dough [N’Keal Harry] know me. Jakobi [Meyers] know me. Bud [Damiere Byrd] know me. The tight end young people know me. The younger guys who are going to get in know me, ”he said. “Like, we’re still trying to find out the 20 years of how it used to be. And I’m coming in and saying, ‘It’s not me.’ “
In 2020, the Patriots hired Newton as a free agent shortly before the training camp in July. This time, they prevented Newton from reaching the free agency, which starts on Wednesday, when the new NFL “league year” begins.
This story will be updated.
Jim McBride can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @globejimmcbride.