New England Patriots Odds Shorten After Landing QB Cam Newton

Posted on: June 29, 2020, 09:30h. 

Last updated on: June 29, 2020, 01:24h.

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The odds on the New England Patriots winning its first Super Bowl in team history without Tom Brady have shortened after signing quarterback Cam Newton to a one-year deal.

New England Patriots odds Super Bowl
The New England Patriots have signed former Carolina Panthers star Cam Newton (seen here in 2017 winning in Foxboro) to replace staple Tom Brady. (Image: Barry Chin/Getty)

It’s a new era in Foxboro. After 20 years of dominating the NFL, Tom Brady — the game’s best player to ever play the QB position — jumped Massachusetts for Florida and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Brady and the Pats won six Super Bowls during their reign and went to the playoffs 17 times.

Now, New England brings in another QB with Super Bowl experience, albeit far short of Brady’s. Newton led the Carolina Panthers to a 15-1 regular season in 2015 and Super Bowl 50. But their season ended with a 24-10 loss in the big game to the Denver Broncos.

As a result of the Newton signing, New England’s Super Bowl odds have shortened to 17/1. Prior to the news, the Patriots were at 25/1.

Newton has plenty of motivation to get back to the big game and hoist the Vince Lombardi Trophy. “I’m excited as I don’t know right now!” Newton said on Instagram Sunday night. He captioned the post with the hashtag #LETSgoPATS.

For his career, Newton has passed for 29,041 yards with 182 touchdowns and 108 interceptions. He’s rushed for 4,806 yards on 58 touchdowns. In 124 career starts, Newton is 68-55-1.

The Kansas City Chiefs are the consensus frontrunners to defend their Super Bowl victory at 6/1. The Baltimore Ravens follow closely at 13/2 (+650). Brady’s new team, the Buccaneers, are at 15/1.

Injury Concerns

Newton was one of the most electrifying college football players in recent memory when he came out of Auburn in 2011. He was drafted No. 1 by the Panthers, the team he called home his entire professional career.

The 31-year-old is a three-time Pro Bowler and was named MVP of the 2015 season. But the Panthers decided this off-season to begin a new era by signing Teddy Bridgewater to become the team’s new starting quarterback.

Newton has been prone to injuries in each of the past two seasons.

After Week 15 of the 2018 season, the Panthers shut down Newton for the year to undergo right shoulder surgery. He lasted only two weeks into the regular season in 2019 after suffering a Lisfranc (foot) fracture in Week 2 that ultimately ended his season.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter said an NFL insider told him that Newton’s shoulder and foot are “checking out well. He is hungrier than ever and eager for the next opportunity.”

Newton’s regular season MVP odds on FanDuel have been slashed from a distant 100/1 to 32/1. Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes is the favorite at 19/5 (+380), and Ravens QB Lamar Jackson and Seattle Seahawks QB Russell Wilson tied for second at 7/1. Brady is at 18/1.

Minimal Risk

NFL analysts largely celebrated the New England Patriots signing of Cam Newton. The team’s deal for the QB is largely incentive-based, with Newton able to earn up to $7.5 million.

Newton’s acceptance of the offer shows he’s willing to bet on himself. Specifics of the contract haven’t been released.

Even if Newton plays well and earns all of his incentives, $7.5 million would rank him No. 27 among quarterbacks.