Cam Newton is going to be a fantasy football stud in 2020

Upon signing with the New England Patriots, a path is paved for Cam Newton to be a fantasy stud again.

Cam Newton was without a new home longer than he should have been, since teams could not have him in for a visit and a physical. But according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter the New England Patriots have signed the former league MVP to a one-year incentive-laden deal. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported the deal is worth up to $7.5 million.

In the wake of Tom Brady’s departure, the Patriots have been consistent in their commitment to 2019 fourth-round pick Jarrett Stidham. They were an easy team to tie to Newton, and now (assuming health) Newton has to be the favorite to start. Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels seemed to be a Newton detractor, but it looks like he’s either on board now or was overruled.

Can Cam Newton be a fantasy stud Aagain?

Newton’s 2019 campaign was derailed quickly by a preseason foot injury that lingered into the season. He played in just two games and did not look like himself as he completed just over 56 percent of his passes and hardly ran (-2 yards on five attempts). A shoulder injury eventually sidelined him for the final two games of the 2018 season, so it’s been quite a while since Newton has been at full strength.

Over his first 11 games in 2018, Newton completed 69.6 percent of his passes with 22 touchdowns, seven interceptions and a 103.7 passer rating. He added 417 rushing yards and four scores on the ground, and he was QB4 in fantasy over that stretch. Then things went a little off the rails with four interceptions in his 12th game (albeit with 300 passing yards and two touchdowns), and he threw for 131 yards in his final game.

But even with that down finish, Newton was QB5 in fantasy through Week 15 in 2018 and fell to QB12 for the season. Cut it off at Week 16, championship week in most fantasy leagues, and Newton finished as QB10.

So what do the Patriots surround Cam Newton with?

In New England, Newton fill find a solid set of wide receivers. Julian Edelman is as reliable as it gets, N’Keal Harry is a talented second-year man and Mohamed Sanu has a lot to offer if he can be healthy.

The Patriots’ running back stable is deep. James White is a legit weapon in the passing game, with Sony Michel, Rex Burkhead and Damien Harris as possibilities for early-down work. If Newton has any effect on Patriots’ running backs, it will be vulturing goal-line work with Michel as the No. 1 loser.

If Newton is healthy, he should have little trouble usurping Stidham on the depth chart. There’s a chance it doesn’t happen Week 1, as Newton learns a new offense in a unique offseason, preseason and camp. But even over 14 or 15 starts, Newton is well in line to be a fantasy stud again and his upside is as enticing as any quarterback. Remember, he’s 31 years old and hardly done.