Ahead of the New England Patriots’ Week 17 matchup, ESPN’s Adam Schefter said that the team is likely to part ways with Cam Newton.
The 31-year-old proceeded to rush for 79 yards, throw for 242 yards and three touchdowns, and also grab a receiving score. Despite missing the playoffs and having a ‘failed’ season, Newton carried a 7-8 record while starting for the Patriots.
Bill Belichick, who supports Newton thoroughly, was asked about the report and the accuracy of it. He wasn’t having it and made that clear following a question from reporters.
He finished off his response by saying, “you should ask Adam (Schefter) about that.”
Bill Belichick asked about the report that the Patriots and Cam Newton are expecting to part ways this offseason.
"Was that another one of your anonymous reports."
It was a report from ESPN's Adam Schefter.
"You should ask Adam about that." pic.twitter.com/jmK5zX9HYp
— Henry McKenna (@McKennAnalysis) January 3, 2021
NBC Sports Boston’s Tom E. Curran clarified that Schefter’s report was more of an opinion than anything. But, it still could hold some truth after a difficult season in 2020.
The direct quote from @AdamSchefter seems more like reading tea leaves and an expectation of what will happen than an “absolutely won’t be back” report. All would agree it’s very unlikely and better for both sides if they part. https://t.co/pQIexkkwBW
— Tom E. Curran (@tomecurran) January 3, 2021
Newton signed on a one-year, $1 million deal and that won’t suffice for the former NFL MVP going forward. The Patriots have a lot of enormous decision to make for 2021 and Newton likely won’t be making a return, regardless of the speculation that is out there.
