A new era is underway in New England, and it’s already a lot different than the one many fans expected to see in the 2020 season.
Cam Newton has joined the New England Patriots’ quarterback room. He brings athleticism, years of experience, and potential MVP-level play to a team that needed it at the position.
With no Tom Brady, the Patriots were expected to turn the offense over to either Jarrett Stidham or Brian Hoyer. And, while there could’ve been upside with those two options, neither of them have shown the ability the Newton has in the past. It’s not clear that Newton has been given the starting job or if he’s the same quarterback following the injuries that kept him out of most of last season, but it appears that he does have the upper hand going into the positional battle.
If Newton does win the job, it will greatly impact many others surrounding the quarterback. These are the four winners and losers from the Newton signing.
Winner: WR Julian Edelman
There may not have been a player that benefitted from Brady’s ability more than Edelman did. Now, instead of having a journeyman backup or a young, unproven quarterback, he’ll have a former MVP getting him the ball. And, Newton has taken advantage of slot receivers in the past. In his three years with Steve Smith Sr. in Carolina, Smith averaged 72 receptions for 1,104 yards. D.J. Moore, another slot receiver, thrived under Newton in the pass-catcher’s rookie season in 2019. If Edelman can be that productive, that should make everyone happy.
Loser: QB Jarrett Stidham
Stidham was expected to win the competition for the starting job this offseason. With Newton in the mix, it will make it extremely difficult for the second-year quarterback to earn that role. Luckily for him, Newton seems to be a short-term solution, so he may get his chance in the near future.
Winner: RB James White
White likely would’ve been a safety blanket for whatever quarterback won the job. However, Newton’s arrival means just a little bit more for him. In Newton’s two seasons with versatile back Christian McCaffrey, the back averaged 118.5 targets per season. After a season that some thought was subpar (but was actually quite successful), White could have a huge year with his new quarterback under center.
Loser: QB Brian Hoyer
Hoyer signed with New England on a one-year deal worth only $1.05 million despite reports that he received other offers for more money because he was being given a chance to start. Now, it seems like it would be a long shot for Hoyer to earn starting time. He’ll probably remain on the roster for his leadership ability and familiarity with the “Patriot Way,” but it would take a lot for him to see the field.
Winner: OC Josh McDaniels
It’s been a while since McDaniels was challenged in designing an offense. In the past, he’s been interested in versatile quarterbacks, as he selected Tim Tebow in Denver and helped bring him to New England years later. This year, he’ll be given the opportunity to adapt an offense around what Newton does best. That could help separate his legacy from Brady’s just a bit and could get him more head coaching consideration if he’s successful.
Loser: RB Sony Michel
Anytime a potential star quarterback joins a team, running backs are going to be affected. In Michel’s case, it’s more about the way Newton plays. If the quarterback continues to play his physical brand of football, it will take away a fair amount of carries from Michel. Newton has the third most rushing yards by any quarterback in NFL history (4,806) and the most rushing touchdowns by a quarterback as well (58). When it comes to running the ball close to the goal line, Newton has been one of the best players, not just quarterbacks, at doing so. He will likely get some of those attempts over Michel.
Winner: HC Bill Belichick
Belichick went through the main free agency period and the draft without signing a real threat for the starting job. Newton landed in his lap for minimal money three months into the new league year. The last thing the Patriots head coach has to accomplish is winning without Brady. Bringing in a motivated Newton gives him the best chance to do that this season.
Loser: Buffalo Bills
For the first time since the turn of the century, the Bills were the favorites to win the AFC East. They have a lot of positives including an incredible defense and a talented head coach. However, with the signing of Newton, the Bills have fallen back behind the Patriots in the odds to win the AFC East according to Bovada. Obviously, it’s just a prediction, but the Patriots, on paper, are better with Newton than without him.
