© Greg M. Cooper | 2019 Aug 22
Another former NFL MVP is going to get the first crack at replacing Tom Brady.
Cam Newton has signed with the Patriots on a one-year, “incentive laden” deal according to ESPN.
Former NFL MVP Cam Newton has reached agreement on a one-year, incentive-laden deal with the New England Patriots, league sources tell @mortreport and me.
Newton now will step into the mix to try to help replace former Patriots’ QB Tom Brady.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 28, 2020
Newton was released by the Panthers this offseason after playing just two games in 2019 as he dealt with a foot fracture. Newton also underwent right shoulder surgery in January 2019, after nagging shoulder issues affected him throughout the 2018 season. Newton reportedly passed a physical in Atlanta on March 23.
Newton, 31, last made the Pro Bowl in 2015, a year in which he was also named the NFL MVP and led the Panthers to their only Super Bowl appearance in franchise history, a 24-10 loss to the Denver Broncos. Newton led the NFL in touchdown passes (35) and quarterback rating (99.4) that season, while also gaining 636 yards on the ground and rushing for 10 TDs. Newton made the Pro Bowl in 2011, his rookie season, and 2013.
The former No. 1 overall pick spent the first nine seasons of his career in Carolina. He now joins a Patriots team that did not select a quarterback in this year’s draft after Brady signed with the Buccaneers on March 20. Newton will compete with 2019 fourth-round pick Jarrett Stidham and veteran Brian Hoyer for the starting job.
Newton passed for 29,041 yards with 182 touchdowns and 108 interceptions, and rushed for 4,806 yards and 58 touchdowns during his time in Carolina. All are Panthers franchise records.
