Bill Belichick had a classic and sneaky reason to sign Cam Newton

Bill Belichick is up to something by signing Cam Newton to the Patriots.

Cam Newton is joining the New England Patriots, but is Bill Belichick up to something again?

After months on the free agent market, the Patriots signed the three-time Pro Bowler and 2015 NFL MVP quarterback formerly of the Carolina Panthers on Sunday evening. Newton may not be the physical specimen he once was coming out of Auburn, but he still has something left in the tank entering his 10th NFL season. But is there something fishy about this Patriots signing?

Shortly after he announced the Patriots’ plans to sign him, ESPN’s Adam Schefter gave us this little nugget to think about overnight heading into the final days of June. It’s a thought, but it’s one we’re all thinking about. I mean, how could you not?

“This is very New England: Now if Cam Newton plays well in 2020, and leaves as a free agent, the Patriots could get back a compensatory 2022 third-round pick to help make up for 2021 third-round pick the NFL is taking away from New England for its videotape violation.”

What is Bill Belichick up to with this Cam Newton signing by the Patriots?

Newton signed for the minimum on a one-year deal with the Patriots. He joins a quarterback room with veteran backup Brian Hoyer and second-year pro Jarrett Stidham. Though Newton and Stidham share the same SEC alma mater, it’ll be a full-on battle for how gets the starting nod, as Hoyer is expected to hold a clipboard and help offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels coach.

It’s interesting that if Newton were to star in his one year with the Patriots that New England could receive a third-round compensatory pick to make up for losing its 2021 third-round pick for spying on the Cincinnati Bengals’ sidelines. You can believe in coincidence all you want, but we can never mistake incompetence for malice with the Patriots, but they’re too smart to play dumb.

Should Newton play at a top-half quarterbacking level this season, he’ll garner enough value as a 2021 free agent after his bounce-back campaign. Look for Newton to play for someone other than the Patriots or Panthers in 2021. All the while, New England may manipulate the system to help get back a third-round pick they lost for spying on a 2-14 football team last season.

The Patriots may really enjoy having Newton around, but New England has earned its reputation.