Extend Cam Newton

I've talked about this already. I don't remember if it was on the Facebook or Twitter page but I gave my thoughts on Cam Newton getting and extension.

Now before I tell you what Patswire said, Brandon Marshall agreed with me that Cam has about 5 years left to be a franchise quarterback.

Henry McKenna wrote, "When he signed with the Patriots on a one-year, prove-it deal, it seemed like Newton was destined to leave New England in free agency in 2021. But few teams have as much spending money as the Patriots next year. If the salary cap decreases for the first time in a decade, it will put teams in a bind. Free agency will be a tough market, and Newton may not have many (or any) suitors. I think he and Belichick will have enough success to want to continue to work together, and they may just make it to a Super Bowl in 2021."

The first question is if Newton plays well enough for an extension, what is his asking price. Tom Brady gave the hometown discount. This signing was a desperation move for Newton and with feeling disrespected by 32 teams until Belichick called, one must ask how insulted he felt signing his current contract.

Sure Newton is all smiles but those defending Cam, are the same ones who said Brady wasn't leaving after 2019. Newton made a couple of statements, Brady left a couple of bread crumbs early. 

If the NFL doesn't cut the salary cap, the Patriots will have around $190 million. I have read reports that the NFL is looking to cut that about 35%. The Patriots have like 27 free agents next year unless opt outs changes that. 11 of those are key players. 

The Patriots were supposed to have aboutb100 million in free cap but that 35% equals around 70 million dollars. The Patriots still could carry money over but if the Patriots only have 30 to 50 million to spend give or take. They cannot dish out giant contracts, McKenna seems to know this. 

Now I am not a Cam Newton homer and I need him to prove himself. On paper the Patriots look better at tight end and on the offensive line. That should improve other aspects. Meaning the 2020 offense should be higher scoring and more dominant as a whole with Cam.

If Cam stays healthy,  it comes down to will he play like 2017 or 2018 Cam Newton. That's the thing with Newton, he's inconsistent. He's been that way his entire career. 

Before you say but his team, I am gonna stop you. Carolina's stats were close through out the 8 years. When Newton was having a down year he dragged his team down. His pass catchers catch percentages always stayed higher than his competition. percentages. 

Evan Lazar said Newton is not a passer, he's not gonna beat you with accuracy. He's gonna beat you by running and using his arm strength. 

Basically Cam expects his receivers to run passed defenders and catch over the shoulder passes or catch deep jump balls. Carolina wasn't built that way and neither is New England.

I have read a lot from camp. Newton was throwing to hard and over throwing the ball. He wasn't as accurate as the 2018 season. He wasn't inconsistent and missing throws he should. He was saved by drops from the defense. 

So If 2018 Cam shows up, the Patriots should only extend him until after the 2022 season. That's when Stidham's contract runs out. At that point let him go and extend Stidham or Let Stidham go, extend  Newton to a three year deal and draft a quarterback.

Regardless of what the Patriots do, they should wait until December to talk extension at the earliest. Make sure Newton can stay healthy and play up to level. Belichick has always been savvy. He's got this. In Bill we trust.