It’s certainly a fair question to ask. Why did the New England Patriots wait so long to sign quarterback Cam Newton to a deal? It’s fair to say that there were a number of factors.
First, New England was not able to get Newton in for a physical quickly. Amid the coronavirus pandemic, it was hard to get players into team facilities. Only now are we beginning to see players get physicals.
That physical was particularly important because Newton has had a plethora of injuries recently. Most notably, his shoulder injury and the injury to his foot. With the foot injury taking place last preseason against the Patriots, that just compounded what has been a roller coaster couple of months for the former Carolina star.
In addition, his abrupt exit from Carolina may have had something to do with it. Despite his injuries, he undoubtedly felt like he still had enough skill to be a full-time starter. As a result, full-time starter money may still have been on the table. Paying players big-time money is not how the Patriots have operated over the past couple of seasons. For better or for worse, they have stayed consistent with that philosophy.
Newton is entering the prime of his career, and yet his body has taken a beating. The potential triple threat of Newton probably wanting a big contract initially, spending his entire career as a guaranteed starter, and being able to get a physical for reasons beyond his control are reasons why the Patriots probably waited so long to sign him.
Now, they have a team-friendly contract and a quarterback in Newton who is ready to prove he still has a lot left in the tank. It is a classic New England move. Sign a player to a team-friendly deal and make them earn it. Often times, Bill Belichick is able to maximize the player’s potential.
Newton is hungry and ready to get to work. He is already working out with wide receiver Mohamed Sanu. It will certainly be a different dynamic for the Patriots, and should make for some intriguing times in Foxboro.
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