Former NFL MVP Cam Newton has been released by the New England Patriots. If you’ve followed me at all over the last few months you know this comes as no surprise. By all accounts, the 15th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft Mac Jones outperformed Newton all offseason during camp and joint practices. We all witnessed Jones stand out above the pack in the preseason games, which clearly gave the Patriots the confidence to move forward with the 15th overall pick as their starting quarterback.
WHAT’S NEXT FOR CAM?
The descent that is Cam Newton’s career has been difficult to watch. That said, he’s been graceful in defeat with a clear desire to continue to compete for a starting job in the NFL. However unlikely a starting role may be, there could be a roster spot for one of the better backup quarterbacks in the league. Reports indicate the Dallas Cowboys will do their due diligence after releasing Garrett Gilbert and Ben DiNucci considering Dak Prescott is coming off of a severe ankle injury. Outside of Dallas maybe Washington, New Orleans, or Indianapolis kick the tires but it’s a long shot.
I’ve been steadfast in my belief that Newton is virtually finished but many believe he’s got something left in the tank. Maybe the Patriots’ system just wasn’t a great fit, who knows. Newton seems like a solid fit for the Cowboys regardless, they have a ton of weapons if he’s needed to step in but from a dynasty perspective, I want very little to do with him. You can either hold him if you got him or sell for bottom-of-the-barrel value but no one should be purchasing Newton any longer.
FUTURE IN NEW ENGLAND
Cam Newton didn’t make much of a splash in New England but he left a major wake in his departure. There have been plenty of questions concerning Mac Jones after the former Alabama quarterback “fell” to 15th overall in the NFL draft (there was talk of the 49er’s selecting him third overall) but he’s done just about everything on the field to dispel those fears. If Patriots head coach Bill Belichick is comfortable enough to cut Newton then we fans and fantasy managers should be left with some level of confidence that Jones can get the job done.
The time to buy Mac Jones was last week or last month, but today is likely too late. The price just skyrocketed with the news of Newton’s release. Now, if you aren’t a true believer and he’s stuck on your roster, this is one of your opportunities to get out. He could have a few big games to increase his value but the truth is Mac Jones is likely a perennial fantasy QB2. He lacks the rushing production and arm talent for elite fantasy upside but he provides a super safe floor. Think Baker Mayfield level of fantasy production.
The good news is Patriots fans and Mac Jones truthers get their opportunity to turn the page and find out if he is really who they think he is. The bad news is Cam Newton is out of a job and any fantasy manager who paid up for him is SOL.
Thank you for reading. If you have any thoughts or would like to discuss, you can find me on Twitter @WillieBeamanDFF.
