New England Patriots quarterback Cam Newton (1) exits the field after warm up before the start of the game against the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium.  David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Cam Newton on Patriots' spending spree: 'Things are already different'

Cam Newton's first year in New England was a major disappointment all-around, as the former MVP battled COVID-19 while throwing for only 2,657 yards and eight touchdowns with little offensive talent around him. The Patriots have responded by going on a massive spending spree durig the legal tampering period of free agency, and Newton made it clear he was happy with the moves being made.

"WHEN YOU REALIZE THINGS ARE ALREADY DIFFERENT.....the second go around!!" Newton captioned an Instagram video of him walking out of the Patriots' team facility.

Newton has plenty of reasons to be excited about his second year in New England, as the Patriots have given him a whole new arsenal of offensive weapons that could help him get his career back on track. The team signed tight ends Jonnu Smith and Hunter Henry, along with wide receivers Nelson Agholor and Kendrick Bourne.

After going 7-9 and missing the playoffs for the first time since 2008, the Patriots are making it clear that they do not plan on missing the postseason for the second year in a row. Making the playoffs won't be easy, as they will need to compete against the Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins for the AFC East crown, but these signings at least show that New England is not satisfied with being mediocre in the post-Brady era.

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