The New England Patriots hold quarterback Cam Newton. As reported by the Boston Globe , both sides have agreed on another one-year contract.
Adam Schefter ( ESPN ) reports that this time it is a contract with a total value of almost 14 million dollars. How much of this is guaranteed is unclear. In the previous year, Newton had signed for 1.75 million dollars (maximum salary: 7.5 million dollars).
As both Schefter and Tom Pelissero ( NFL Network ) report, this step should not prevent the Patriots from signing another quarterback – be it via draft or trade – in the coming weeks.
Newton had probably his worst year in the NFL last year and only had 2657 passing yards with 8 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. However, Newton also led all quarterbacks with 12 rushing touchdowns.
For the Patriots, Newton is first and foremost a hedge, since apart from him only Jarrett Stidham is in the squad as QB and the free agent market hardly has any noteworthy upgrades ready.
It is also assumed that New England will significantly improve its recently weak Receiving Corps in the Free Agency and the Draft, which could also make life easier for Newton.
