Adds Needed QB Competition
It always seemed like a confusing plan for the New England Patriots to enter the 2020 season with just Jarrett Stidham and Brian Hoyer as their main quarterback options. Stidham is simply too unproven while Hoyer has been ineffective in recent appearances.
A more dynamic, proven veteran like Cam Newton was needed to instill greater confidence in the Patriots’ quarterback situation leading into training camp. It never hurts to add a recognizable name that previously won the league MVP more recently than Aaron Rodgers.
The Patriots will now be able to allow competition to decide what happens at quarterback. It’s difficult to envision Newton losing out on the starting role but by signing him, they can at least see where he’s at physically before committing to giving him a large role.
Even in the unlikely event that Newton were to lose the quarterback battle, that probably would be more of a reflection on Stidham’s preparedness rather than Newton’s inability. Simply having that competition brings the best out of Stidham.
