NFL Rumors: Patriots Could Still Bring In Another Quarterback, Even After Signing Cam Newton

After joining the team as one of the most high-profile offseason signings, Newton failed to match the hype and struggled to regain his MVP form. He threw just eight touchdowns and 10 interceptions, though did add another 12 rushing touchdowns. 

Behind the struggling Newton, the Patriots dropped to their worst record in more than 20 years, falling to 7-9 and missing the playoffs for the first time since 2008. 

But Newton's performance was enough to earn him another contract with the Patriots.

The Patriots announced this week that Newton would be re-signing with the team. ESPN reported that the contract is worth up to $13.6 million, with close to $6 million tied to incentives. 

Before the deal was signed, Newton made it clear he was wary about another trip to free agency and would welcome a return to New England.

"I'm getting tired of changing [teams]," he said in February, via ESPN. "I am at a point in my career where I know way more than I did last year. Yes, I would go back."

The new deal does not assure that Newton will remain the Patriots' starter over the long-term, however. Many insiders believe that the team could still be looking to bring in a young quarterback to compete for the job.

Tom E. Curran of NBC Boston suggested that the decision to re-sign Newton early could be part of a larger free agency strategy. 

"By no means does Newton’s return mean the team is done at the position," he wrote, adding, "He’s still a low-cost option. It’s not even St. Patrick’s Day. There’s going to be a ton of movement in the coming weeks and months and the Patriots -- after last year’s 7-9 season -- are going to be aggressive." 

Many insiders have predicted that the Patriots will go after a quarterback in the upcoming NFL Draft, which is unusually deep with signal callers.

With many of the biggest names expected to be off the board by the time the Patriots select at No. 15, The Sporting News pegged North Dakota State's Trey Lance as a potential fit for New England.

"New England hinted at wanting a different style of QB by adding Cam Newton late as a starter in 2020," the report noted. "It confirmed by re-signing Newton to a one-year deal for 2021, setting him up to be. bridge QB. Josh McDaniels would work better with a blank canvas and Lance has the work ethic and smarts to absorb the system well in a more regular offseason."