Cam Newton may soon find a new home now that the draft has come and gone, and people seem to keep linking the former NFL MVP to the New England Patriots. Is that a realistic possibility?
The Patriots did not take a quarterback in the draft, which has led to speculation that they are leaving room to sign a player with starting potential like Newton. Oddsmakers are certainly on board with that theory, as FanDuel Sportsbook suddenly shifted the odds on Newton on Sunday to make the Patriots a heavy favorite to sign him at -190. The Jacksonville Jaguars were the favorite earlier in the day at -150. Other gambling outlets agree that New England is the favorite to sign Newton, though the odds aren’t quite as convincing.
The Patriots are the favorites to sign Cam Newton, according to our oddsmakers pic.twitter.com/gt4WzVpGOo
— SportsLine (@SportsLine) April 27, 2020
It’s unclear why the odds shifted so suddenly, but Jeff Howe of The Athletic says we should not read into it. Howe, who has covered the Patriots for years, reported a month ago that New England has no interest in signing Newton. He said that remained true as of Monday.
FYI nothing has changed here. The Patriots haven't shown any interest in signing Cam Newton, per source. https://t.co/z4s67JOSC6
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) April 27, 2020
With the NFL offseason potentially being shortened, it would make sense for Belichick to hold a quarterback competition between Jarrett Stidham and Brian Hoyer. Both are familiar with the Patriots’ system, and a new addition like Newton may not have enough time to get up to speed.
There have been rumblings that New England could target another veteran starter even if Newton isn’t in play, but the most likely scenario seems to be them sticking with what they have.
