Cam Newton Fires Warning Shot to NFL Teams For Rejecting Him
A few weeks have passed since Cam Newton decided to join the New England Patriots on a relatively inexpensive one-year deal. That has pushed forth plenty of excitement around his new home in the NFL, but also sprung forth some meaningful motivation for Newton to push forward to showcase he is still an elite talent in the league. It has led to the former league MVP to send a loud and clear message to every other team ahead of the 2020 season.
Cam Newton’s new NFL home
It’s been nearly a month since Cam Newton joined the Patriots to get his NFL career back on track.
That has created plenty of buzz around the situation, which could see him step into the shoes of being the first quarterback to replace Tom Brady. Although it’s a low-risk, high-reward move by New England, it’s a chance for the franchise to find their next cornerstone piece at the position.
In the short time since he’s been with New England, Newton has made it clear what his mindset is heading into the 2020 season.
Cam Newton’s stern message to his doubters
The move to the Patriots is entirely new territory for Cam Newton as he enters the next chapter of his career.
It has also brought forth plenty of motivation from those who have doubted his ability going into his 10th season. During his recent sit-down conversation with Todd Gurley, Victor Cruz, and Odell Beckham Jr., the 31-year-old voiced a clear message for the rest of the league.
“Every team at one point had to say: ‘Ok, fellas – Cam Newton, what are we thinking? Ehhh. Pass…I’m going at necks all year.”
Although not every team needed help at the quarterback position, several franchises could have brought him aboard. Instead, those teams passed up on him, which has only created more fuel for the fire to prove it was that massive mistake not to sign him.
There are many reasons for Newton to be motivated, but he won’t lack any personal push to get the best out of himself. He’s heading into a situation where he can secure his long-term future in the league, possibly in New England.
What to expect in the 2020 season
In the last several days, Cam Newton has voiced much excitement toward joining the Patriots.
It’s an opportunity that is up to him to make the most of the situation. The fact of the matter is that he’s under a relatively inexpensive contract that doesn’t lend to the Patriots feeling financially obliged to play him. It pushes the onus to Newton to prove to Bill Belichick that he is the team’s best option under center.
The three-time Pro Bowler is entering into a setting where he doesn’t have that comfort he had in Carolina for the last several years. His competition at the quarterback position each possess a leg up over him as they have familiarity with the playbook. Brian Hoyer has spent a few years in the system while Jarrett Stidham just finished up his rookie campaign in New England.
The deck isn’t necessarily stacked against Newton, but it’s a tougher hill to climb then most would believe. He is certainly a gifted player, but his chances to grab the starting job may hinge on his understanding and comfort with the playbook. Ultimately, Newton knows what he must do to grab ahold of the starting job ahead of Week 1 action.
