Patriots sign Cam Newton from the Panthers

Cam Newton (Keith Allison, Wikimedia Commons)

The New England Patriots quarterback situation for the 2020 National Football League season just got mighty interesting. On Sunday evening the Patriots announced the signing of quarterback Cam Newton of Atlanta, Georgia.

We do not know right now how much of Newton’s contract this season will be guaranteed. What we do know is that Newton could reach $7.5 million this season if he reaches certain incentives according to Elizabeth Swinton of Sports Illustrated.

The move of Newton to New England continues the quarterback carousel for 2020. It started with Tom Brady going from New England to Tampa Bay. It was followed by Teddy Bridgewater going from New Orleans to Carolina, Marcus Mariota going from Tennessee to Las Vegas, Philip Rivers going from the Los Angeles Chargers to Indianapolis, Case Keenum going from Washington to Cleveland and Kyle Allen going from Carolina to Washington.

However, just because Newton is the more established quarterback, it does not mean it is a slam dunk that the Patriots will start him in 2020. Prior to the signing of Newton, the Patriots were planning to go with Jarrett Stidham, even though he lacked experience.

Patriots head coach Bill Belichick has been here before. During the 2001 season, New England had a quarterback controversy between the established Drew Bledsoe, and the less experienced Brady. Belichick went with Brady. The Patriots beat the St. Louis Rams 20-17 for their first of six Super Bowl titles, all with Brady at the helm.

So just because Newton has been to a Super Bowl, is a three-time Pro Bowler, and was the NFL’s most valuable player in 2015, it is not a slam dunk he will be the Patriots starter on opening day. The bottom line is that Belichick likes competition, and it will be an interesting preseason battle at the quarterback position in New England.