Cam Newton pushes back against critics, plans to play in 2021

“Let’s keep it honest, what other options did I have? I intimidate a lot of people. I intimidated the franchise I was at the Carolina Panthers,” Cam Newton said when asked about signing with New England. “People look at me and assume things about me. But I’m from Atlanta, you put me anywhere, and I’m going to figure it out.”

After the Carolina Panthers released Newton late during free agency last March, his market was not strong. He ultimately signed a one-year, $1.75 million contract with the Patriots to replace Tom Brady under center. For some reason, Newton also received a ton of flack for that.

Newton was an embattled figure during his nine seasons with the Panthers, so the jury is still out regarding his status as a potential starting quarterback next season. Nevertheless, he fully plans to suit up.

“Hell no! I can’t go out like that,” Newton said. “I hear all of that talk. My pride won’t allow me to do it.”

Newton then stated that there are not 32 quarterbacks in the NFL better than he is, hinting that he should be starting when the 2021 season comes calling.

While Newton threw only eight touchdown passes last season for the Patriots, he did register 12 scores on the ground. A total touchdown-to-interception ratio of 20-8 is not terrible. Even then, his play left a lot to be desired on a Patriots offense that finished in the bottom six in scoring. It will lead to a divorce between the two after just one season.

Newton and NFL free agency

Following the blockbuster Matthew Stafford and Carson Wentz trades, there are roughly eight teams looking for upgrades at quarterback. We’re not sure any of them would view Newton as an upgrade.

At this point, the three-time Pro Bowler is probably better off waiting until after the NFL Draft in April to figure out what he should do next. Teams that miss out on top-end quarterbacks or find themselves in a pinch could very well come calling to provide competition for training camp.

Perhaps, Newton’s former head coach Ron Rivera with the Washington Football Team kicks the tires on him. Washington didn’t last offseason because it had Dwayne Haskins on the roster. With the former first-round bust now in Pittsburgh , Cam Newton could make sense.