Cam Newton signs with the New England Patriots: Fantasy impact

Fantasy Impact

Cam Newton

Cam Newton gets a new lease on his football life with his move to the New England Patriots. He has looked healthy in the workout videos he has posted over the offseason, and barring an injury, will be starting under center for New England in Week 1. Despite some question marks at tight end and at the number three receiver role, Newton will offer QB1 upside due to his legs. There will likely be some doubters over the next few weeks until such a time that the Patriots beat writers make it clear that despite the low guarantees that Cam is fully expected to start if healthy. Cam should have a major bounce back season, and may finally be truly unleashed on the NFL under the guidance of Bill Belichick and Josh McDaniels.

Jarrett Stidham

Jarrett Stidham still profiles as a system fit, but head coach Bill Belichick wisely conceded that Stidham is more of a spot starter than someone you should waste a year of your coaching career allowing to audition for a role he never truly had a shot at holding onto. For the first time maybe ever, there are arguably more good starting quarterbacks available than there are starting jobs in the NFL. This glut of talent is only set to increase over the next three seasons, with over a dozen starter level prospects, and another dozen high level backups set to enter the league. Now waiver wire fodder in redraft leagues, Stidham loses all of his rental season dynasty value. Stidham is now safe to drop in all formats.

Sony Michel/Damien Harris
Whichever one of these two running backs wins the early down role should be able to accrue RB2 value. Sony Michel is the favorite to open the season as the starter, but Damien Harris is a talented back with an every down skill set who should push him for snaps this season. Michel should be viewed as an RB3 with RB2 upside until the backfield roles become more clear. Harris should be treated as a late round potential lottery ticket.

James White
James White should have a strong RB3 level season. He has RB2 upside if Newton continues to funnel passes to the running back position, but is probably better to view as an inconsistent flex play. He should have RB2, and possibly even RB1 weeks, but they will likely be few and far in between. He does not offer enough as a runner to be a consistent option, and will instead have to rely on volume to be effective. Currently the 38th running back off the board based on consensus ADP, James White should be able to provide a strong return on investment.