Ex-Patriots Exec Makes Prediction On Bill Belichick-Cam Newton ‘Marriage’

We’ve read so much about the New England Patriots and their next move lately. One of the most recent stories connects head coach Bill Belichick and free agent Cam Newton. Quarterback Tom Brady left the Patriots in free agency and signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. But, Belichick didn’t show interest in Newton. Wonder why?

Scott Pioli may have the answer to your question. He worked in the Patriots organization for seven years before joining the Kansas City Chiefs in 2009. According to him, Newton’s style doesn’t fit in Belichick’s coaching equation. Belichick a strict coach, and Newton may not have what he needs.

“The Patriots thing is interesting with Cam Newton because, in my mind, I don’t see those two coexisting together,” Pioli said Saturday on CBS Sports Radio. “The personalities and beliefs of how the game should be played, it seems like oil and water. I just see them as being very different personalities and having very different approaches to the game. Bill believes in football more than entertainment. Cam believes football and entertainment are almost equal partners. And in this day and age it is, but Bill has the soul of a football man. I just couldn’t see that working out too well. And if I did, it would probably have to be for one season.”

The 30-year-old was the 2015 NFL MVP. He hit free agency after the Carolina Panthers cut him. The Panthers offered Teddy Bridgewater a three-year deal worth $63 million, and this sealed Newton’s future with the team.

Belichick didn’t want Newton

The Patriots have Jarrett Stidham and Brian Hoyer on the position at the moment. New England picked Stidham in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft. His teammates are pretty confident about his role on the roster, but Stidham threw only four passes in three appearances last season.

“They think well enough of him. I think they are going to give him a shot,” Pioli explained. “I also can see them going out and getting another quarterback, whether that’s a decorated veteran or someone in this draft. Their entire quarterback room is not filled yet. There’s been quarterbacks that come out of that system and are good enough to win games in the National Football League.”

New England picked Jimmy Garoppolo and Jacoby Brissett and then let them go.

“Anyone who is in that program, no matter if you’re a player, coach, it’s always about some greater good than yourself,” Pioli said. “And you need to be selfless and not selfish. If you’re selfish, you’re just not going to make it in the program. That starts up top with the quarterback.”

Pioli understands Belichick’s system, and he may be right about all these comments on Newton. The Patriots may pick a quarterback in the 2020 NFL Draft. They may also trade for one. Who knows…