New England Cam Chatter: The Dynasty Fallout of Cam Newton signing with the Patriots
The New England Patriots were immediately in the market for a quarterback as soon as Tom Brady left for Tampa Bay. Instead, they passed on numerous free agents, then again failed to address the position during the draft, leaving Jarrett Stidham as their likely starter this season. That all changed today as they were able to lure former MVP Cam Newton to New England on a one-year, incentive-laden deal worth up to $7.5 million. The move has some interesting dynasty implications, so let’s explore the values most affected by this signing.
Cam Newton, QB NE
The 31-year old Newton isn’t the same player he was in his heyday. However, he still has the talent and athleticism to be a starter in the league and if he grasps the playbook early, he should have little problem beating out Stidham to be under center in week one. Over his nine-year career in Carolina, Newton posted 29,041 passing yards, 182 passing touchdowns, 4,806 rushing yards and 58 rushing touchdowns. In short, not bad. However, injuries and poor play have limited him to just 16 games the past season and it was time for a new beginning.
In New England, Newton will have a less than spectacular supporting cast consisting of N’Keal Harry, Mohamed Sanu, Julian Edelman, Jakobi Meyers, Sony Michel, James White and Devin Asiasi, among others. That’s not exactly the next group to be enshrined in Canton. Still, there’s enough talent here to get by and the Patriots still have a stifling defense that should give Newton a chance to win games and not force him into too many bad situations.
Newton looks to be very much in shape and is reportedly motivated. His contract is the ultimate low-risk, high reward for New England and if his injury woes are behind him, he could be valuable once again in dynasty leagues. Newton has been left for dead in a lot of leagues, hitting the waiver wire in many. This move merits him a roster spot again and his suffering ADP should be getting a long awaited bump. Just beware, though – Newton has not been healthy or effective in some time. While this may look great on paper, he also shouldn’t be valued as anything more than a backup dynasty quarterback who has a big upside and equally low floor. If you have an owner who is overvaluing him, pounce on it.
Jarrett Stidham, QB NE
Well, that was fun. After making it through the first wave of free agency and the NFL Draft unscathed (the addition of Brian Hoyer doesn’t really count), this is a big blow to Stidham’s value. While he’s still the incumbent and has an advantage over Newton in terms of the playbook, there’s little chance Stidham can hold off Newton in a fair fight. Owners of Stidham can hold on to him through the preseason to see how it unfolds, but he’s going to be a tough hold if he’s not the starting quarterback in week one.
Brian Hoyer, QB NE
It’s hard to see Hoyer having a spot on the roster at this point. He could provide some leadership, but he’s a long way from seeing the field and light years from dynasty relevance.
Sony Michel, RB NE
The addition of a quarterback doesn’t usually affect power running backs that much. However, Newton is notorious for his goal line ability and it’s fair to wonder if Michel’s chances in the red zone are going to be limited. The New England running back carousel is a hot mess, as always. Throwing Newton into the mix won’t help things for any of the running backs other than possibly the pass catching James White.
Patriot Receivers
The addition of Newton certainly shouldn’t do anything to make this group any worse from a fantasy persepective. A healthy and motivated Newton would certainly help, but that’s far from a given. N’Keal Harry needs to make a big second-year jump and this news should help. Julian Edelman should benefit from solid quarterback play, though expecting better numbers without Tom Brady would be foolish. Mohamed Sanu, Jakobi Meyers and the rest of the New England pass catchers should all at least have a chance to maintain the value they had last season now. If Stidham would have faceplanted, all bets would have been off.
Other Quarterbacks
You could make the case that the likes of Gardner Minshew, Dwayne Haskins and Tyrod Taylor are all winners with Newton off the market. With the former MVP now in New England, the chances of these three players being under center for their respective teams just increased. This is especially good news for Haskins, whom many thought would be replaced by Newton with new Head Coach Ron Rivera.
The Newton to New England news is exciting in reality and a little less exciting in dynasty. Still, this will be fun to watch.
Ken is on Twitter at DLF_KenK
