Patriots Legend Sees Big Year 2 For Cam Newton

Cam Newton did not get off to a great start in Foxboro. For the first time in his career, he threw for less than 3,000 yards and finished with a negative touchdown-to-intereception ratio. It was also the first time since 2008 that the Patriots did not make the playoffs.

With all that being said, the team around Newton didn't help much. Several of his teammates, especially on the defensive side of the ball, opted out due to COVID-19. He didn't have a lot to work with as far as weapons either.

In other words, it's easy to see why former Patriots wide receiver Deion Branch believes that Newton is poised for a bounce back season. He'll have a normal offseason, which should also really help.

“Given the offseason (he’ll have), I think we’ll see a better Cam,” Branch said, via ESPN. “Everybody is always talking about the 2015 Cam Newton, but I’d like to go back to just the 2018 (version) — 67.9% passing, 24 TDs, 13 interceptions. If they can get that type of performance, I think this will be a great year.”

It's still possible -- even likely, at this point -- that New England will pursue another option at quarterback in the 2021 NFL draft. Jarrett Stidham hasn't shown that he's the future, and Newton will be 32 in May coming off a poor season.

But even if they do, Newton will have every chance to prove himself in 2021. The 6-foot-5, 245-pound quarterback was just re-signed to a one-year, $5.1 million deal that could be worth up to $14 million. That doesn't guarantee him a job, but it does guarantee him the opportunity to compete.

It would be best for a rookie signal caller to sit for a season and get acclimated to the NFL anyways.

If Newton does start, he'll have a lot more talent around him this go around. The defense is returning opt outs while also adding premium free agents such as Matthew Judon. More importantly, the offense is bringing on a lot more help.

Offensive tackle Trent Brown is coming back to New England, and a slew of weapons -- including Jonnu Smith, Hunter Henry, Nelson Agholor and Kendrick Bourne -- have been signed via free agency to provide a boost.

If he fails this year, it's likely over.

Follow Clint Lamb on Twitter @ClintRLamb.