Former Pro Bowler Called Favorite to Replace Cam Newton

The New England Patriots lost their Week 14 game to the Los Angeles Rams. Veteran quarterback Cam Newton had a terrible performance, but head coach Bill Belichick is determined to keep him under center. Media members wanted to know if Belichick plans to move on from Stidham. The legendary coach won’t do that. One NFL insider believes that the Patriots will use a Pro Bowler as a favorite to replace Cam Newton.

Peter King from Sports Illustrated talked to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk to discuss the Patriots’ quarterback plans. New England is still trying to make the playoffs, but its chances are too slim to be taken into consideration. As some would say, their chances are “the slimmest of slim.” Many experts have written the Patriots off. What does King say about this?

A favorite option to replace quarterback Cam Newton

It looks like Patriots head coach Bill Belichick will enter the offseason January 4. This will give him plenty of time to create the perfect offensive plan. According to King, Newton doesn’t fit in the picture.

Several players are considered an option for the Patriots. King would go with Detroit Lions’ Matthew Stafford. He believes that the Patriots may get him through trade.

“That’s an interesting one because Matthew Stafford probably has five good years left. Bill Belichick probably has five good years left. So, that would actually make some sense to me. But again, the problem is the money you’ve got to pay him. Do the Patriots want to pay their quarterback 20 percent of the salary cap? I just don’t think so.”

King gives the impression that Stafford would be one of the best options for the Patriots. He is definitely a favorite to land in Foxboro.

Detroit may release Stafford this offseason. But, the team will have to absorb a cap hit of under $25 million. If the Lions wait until after 2021 to get rid of Stafford, the dead money hit would reach $9.9 million before June 1, 2022 or $4.9 million post-June 1.

In 12 seasons with the Lions, Stafford has thrown for 44, 303 yards and 277 touchdowns. He has completed 62.5 percent of his throws in his professional career.