Cam Newton signs with the New England Patriots: Fantasy impact

Rizzla discusses Cam Newton signing with the New England Patriots, and examines the fantasy impact on Newton and the other Patriots skill players.

Former league MVP Cam Newton has finally found a new home, and it is with the New England Patriots. Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network was the first to report the news. The deal is for one year, and is worth up to $7.5 million with incentives.

This is monumental news for both the New England Patriots and for fantasy managers. Cam Newton instantly transforms the Patriots from a team in the Trevor Lawrence ‘race’, to a team that is now a favorite to make the expanded postseason. New England played the waiting game to masterful results, and have signed the former MVP for less than half of what the Chicago Bears will be paying Nick Foles to compete for the starting job in the Windy City. The nature of the deal suggests Cam will have to prove he’s healthy, but if he is the Patriots got a steal.

In one fell swoop, the New England Patriots have transformed themselves from a team that may have struggled to win four games this season, to a team who has a legitimate chance at winning 10 or more games. They should be locked in a battle for the AFC East crown for most of the season, and their head to head battles with the Buffalo Bills now promise to feature playoff intensity.

Undoubtedly an upgrade on backup types Jarrett Stidham and Brian Hoyer, it is fair to wonder if Cam Newton is also an upgrade on the 2019 version of Tom Brady. The expanded playoffs should allow the Patriots to make the playoffs even if they don’t win their division, and should be a tough out when they turn on playoff mode. Perfectly suited to ground and pound and rely on their defense, the New England Patriots are a much better team now that they have a weapon like Cam Newton at quarterback.