It’s been almost two months since the Carolina Panthers gave quarterback Cam Newton permission to find a new team, yet the three-time Pro Bowl signal-caller is still without an NFL job.
And when Tom Brady announced his departure from the Patriots, many thought New England would be an ideal landing place for Newton, who was given permission to seek a trade before ultimately being released. Aside from the free agent’s injury history and the Pats’ cap space, there’s reportedly one definitive reason Newton will likely never be a Patriot.
The Athletic reported that Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels wasn’t “necessarily high” on Newton, a first-overall pick out of Auburn in 2011, when he spoke to the Panthers about their head-coaching vacancy — which ultimately went to Matt Rhule — this offseason.
Many took note of the high praise Newton received from Patriots coach Bill Belichick in 2017, when Newton led the Panthers to an 11-5 record and playoff appearance. But New England has just $1 million in cap space and, according to multiple reports, are “invested in Jarrett Stidham,” whom the organization drafted in the fourth round last year.
The Patriots reaffirmed that investment when they opted not to draft a quarterback in this year’s draft.
Newton will turn 31 later this month, but his accolades still make him an enticing option. He was the league’s MVP and Offensive Player of the Year in 2015 and was named Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2011.
He also reportedly doesn’t have much interest in serving as a backup. The Athletic reported that Newton would rather wait for an injury and become a replacement than settle for a backup role.