As the New England Patriots search for a quarterback this offseason, the speculation leads to any name that isn’t Cam Newton.
The 31-year-old signed a one-year deal with the Patriots last year and finished the season with a 7-8 record, which is impressive considering the team around him. Although he had 12 rushing touchdowns and carried the squad with his energy and enthusiasm, it was clear he isn’t the same passer as before. Newton threw for 2,657 yards with eight touchdowns and ten interceptions over 15 games.
But, is it worth bringing him back for a second chance? Rodney Harrison strongly disagrees with that idea.
“That would be the worst decision [Bill Belichick] has ever made,” Harrison said, via NBC Sports Boston . “Because now you’re not being fair to your team. When I saw what I saw with Cam, every time I saw Cam pretty much I was hurt. Because I was a guy that believed in Cam, and when you see him drop back and he continues to throw the ball into the ground, throw it five feet or 5 yards above somebody else, you’re like ‘What are you doing, Cam?’ …
“You have to find a quarterback. It would be a terrible mistake for Bill Belichick to bring Cam back because Cam can’t play football anymore. He just can’t play quarterback in the National Football League.”
Harsh, but maybe true.
The Patriots have been linked to Alabama’s Mac Jones and they have the No. 15 overall pick to potentially snag him. There’s other veterans out there who could fit with the team — including Ryan Fitzpatrick, Jimmy Garoppolo, Derek Carr and Jacoby Brissett.
As for a potential future with Newton, Harrison clearly isn’t a fan.
