Cam Newton agrees new one-year deal to stay with Patriots
The Patriots will bring Cam Newton back for a second season after re-signing the quarterback to fresh terms worth up to $14 million.
Cam Newton is returning to the New England Patriots on a one-year contract.
The former NFL MVP spent the 2020 season with New England, who went 7-9 in a disappointing first year after the departure of Tom Brady.
Quarterback Newton often struggled in a new offense with a poor supporting cast that had also hindered Brady in his last season with the Pats.
However, he will get the chance to improve in 2021 after agreeing a new deal with the team ahead of free agency, according to reports from NFL Network and ESPN.
Newton's deal is reportedly to be worth up to $14million, having surprisingly agreed to a $1m contract last year.
Newton and Pats looking to improve in 2021
At that price he still represents a more affordable option after a flurry of QB moves earlier in the offseason saw Matthew Stafford, Jared Goff and Carson Wentz find new teams.
The renewal of Newton ends speculation he will link up with the Washington Football Team, who are led by his former coach at the Carolina Panthers, Ron Rivera.
With the Buffalo Bills reaching the AFC Championship Game and the Miami Dolphins rebuilding quickly with extensive draft capital, New England are suddenly under pressure in the AFC East.
And the scrutiny on their performances in 2021 will intensify after Brady won the Super Bowl with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
This move sees the Pats secure a starting QB ahead of free agency but will not preclude them from exploring other options at the position, according to reports.
Newton, 31, played 15 games (7-8) for New England – missing just one due to coronavirus - after injuries restricted him to playing only twice in his last of nine seasons with Carolina.
He threw for eight touchdowns to 10 interceptions with 2,657 yards through the air, though he did add 592 yards and 12 scores on the ground.
Newton also caught a TD pass from his leading receiver Jakobi Meyers in a win over the New York Jets.
After a painful year, the Patriots go into the offseason with Newton signed, one of the best salary cap situations in the league and the number 15 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.