Patriots Make Decision On Cam Newton's Future

Cam Newton will get a second chance with the New England Patriots.

ESPN reports Newton and the Patriots agreed to a one-year contract "worth up to close to $14 million," with "about $6 million of the deal" being tied to incentives, sources confirmed.

Newton, who signed a one-year deal last July, expressed his interest in returning to New England during a recent appearance on the 'I Am Athlete' podcast last month, following a disappointing debut for the franchise in 2020.

The former NFL MVP Newton threw for 2,657 yards, eight touchdowns and 10 interceptions, while going 7-8 as a starter in 15 games.

“Hell no! I can’t go out like that. I hear all of that talk,” Newton said in response to retirement questions during the podcast appearance. “My pride won’t allow me to do it. There aren’t 32 guys better than me.”

As for his play, Newton told the 'I Am Athlete' podcast his COVID-19 diagnosis and the ensuing missed playing time played a role in his struggles during the 2020 season.

“When I came back [after missing the game in Kansas City], that’s where the lack of an offseason and the lack of time in the system really showed itself. I was behind and I was thinking too much,” Newton said. “The offense kept going and I was stagnant for two weeks. It was all new terminology. I wasn’t just trying to learn a system for what it was, I was learning a 20-year system in two months.”

The Patriots finished the 2020 season with a 7-9 overall record, missing the playoffs for the first time since 2008.

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