Cam Newton just signed an incentive-laden contract with the New England Patriots. What does this mean for Cam in fantasy, as well as the rest of the Patriots roster?

Cam Newton

Guess who is back on everyone’s fantasy radar? Does anyone think Jarrett Stidham beats out Cam in training camp? Doubtful. The 31-year-old veteran seems to be on the fast track to starting, and He has proven capable of producing quality fantasy stats in the past. He finished 12th in 2018, 2nd in 2017, and of course 1st in his 2015 MVP season. While his passing leaves a bit to be desired, his rushing ability makes him a legitimate fantasy weapon. From his rookie season in 2011 until his last real year in 2018, he averaged 601 yards and 7.3 TDs on the ground each year.

Expect Bill Belichick to utilize him as the 6’5″ 245-pound weapon he is, as they won’t feel the need to keep him healthy on that contract. I could see Cam easily matching those averages this year, which will make him a fascinating fantasy pickup. I view him as a flex QB/backup QB in all formats, with starting QB upside. He is going to want to prove he can still start, and the chip on his shoulder will be big enough to fit an entire bowl of hot sauce on.

Fun side note… Josh McDaniels drafted Tim Tebow in the first round when he was HC at Denver, and wanted to utilize him as the starter in that offense. Josh, say hello to Cameron Newton, who happens to be able to do a lot of things Tim Tebow did, at a higher level. During the season Tebow started 11 games for Denver, he had 122 rushes for 660 yards and 6 TDs. I expect McDaniels to be licking his lips at the opportunity to once again work with a QB with this type of skillset.

Jarrett Stidham

Poor Stidham. A former MVP leaves, and just when it looks like the job is his, a former MVP comes in and takes the job. No way Belichick and co. run with Stidham now. He becomes obsolete in fantasy with this move, useful only as a handcuff, and a poor one at that. He will remain in the place he has been so far in the NFL. On the bench. Hey, at least people talked about him for a little while, right? And if Cam Newton struggles, people could even chant his name! That never would have happened if he started from the get-go. It’s not all bad news for Stidham.

It’s mostly bad though.

Sony Michel

I honestly believe this isn’t such a great thing for Michel. Cam Newton is a weapon in the red zone, and goal-line back was a large part of Michel’s upside. With Cam vulturing some of his goal-line TDs, Michel will probably not score as many rushing TDs as he would have otherwise. However, his yardage could increase due to the threat of Cam’s legs. I still think this is not the ideal scenario for Michel, as Stidham starting would have meant more reliance on the ground game. Now with Cam behind center, Michel is going to have to score from outside the 1, or those TDs are gonna go to Cam.

I still like Michel at the right value, but feel less confident than before.

James White

Hello, James White! Since 2015, White has averaged 63 catches for 557.2 yards and 4.8 TDs in the air. Now, I am well aware that James White is not Christian McCaffrey, however, he is a threat out of the backfield in the receiving game. Take into consideration that McCaffrey caught 187 balls during the two years he played with Cam Newton. That looks like a delicious recipe for a receiving back like White.

Cam has shown a tendency to throw to his backs, and White most assuredly benefits from the addition of Newton. I think he definitely moves past Michel on my fantasy radar, especially in PPR leagues where White could legitimately deliver stud RB numbers.

Patriots WRs and TEs

Despite Cam’s career 59.6 completion percentage, I am going to go out on a limb here and say he’s a better passer than Stidham. Julian Edelman and N’Keal Harry should benefit from both the defense having to account for Newton’s legs and Cam’s experience edge over Stidham. But the TEs, whoever emerges between Matt LaCosse, Devin Asiasi, and Dalton Keene, should see the real benefit. While none of them have the talent of prime Greg Olsen, they should see a ton of balls. Between 2012-2016(The five years Olsen started and played in 16 games), Olsen averaged 118.2 targets, 968.8 yards, and 4.8 TDs. Give me some of that!

The Patriots overall outlook definitely went up with the addition of Cam Newton. Fantasy and reality. Adjust your rankings accordingly. As for me, I will be looking to acquire Newton’s services at the right price, as his rushing potential excites me. But the real value here is in seeing exactly who benefits most from his presence, and James White more than anyone has moved up my board in a really big way. See you in Boston, Superman!

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