New England Patriots Are Cam Newton's Top Landing Spot, LA Chargers Aren't Suitors After Draft

The New England Patriots have been among the most logical landing spots for Cam Newton ever since the Carolina Panthers released the veteran earlier this offseason. Following the 2020 NFL Draft, the quarterback appears even more likely to end up in Foxborough.

The Patriots are now odds-on favorites to sign the best signal caller available in free agency. FanDuel Sportsbook has given Newton -190 odds to be on New England’s roster in Week 1. The Jacksonville Jaguars are second with +300 odds to sign Newton.

The Pittsburgh Steelers (+750), Denver Broncos (+1000) and Chicago Bears (+1100) are in the next tier of possible Newton suitors.

The Los Angeles Chargers are completely off the list. L.A. had once been favored to acquire Newton, but that changed in the first round of the draft. The Chargers selected Oregon quarterback Justin Herbert with the No.6 overall pick.

Herbert will likely compete with Tyrod Taylor for the starting job in Los Angeles.

New England was considered a candidate to possibly trade up in the draft and target Alabama’s Tua Tagovailoa, who ended up going fifth overall to the Miami Dolphins. The Patriots didn’t draft a single quarterback over the course of all seven rounds.

That leaves the defending AFC East champions with no proven starter next season.

Jarrett Stidham is expected to enter training camp atop New England’s depth chart. The Patriots drafted Stidham in the fourth round of last year’s draft. The 23-year-old only attempted four passes, one of which was intercepted and returned for a touchdown, as a rookie.

Brian Hoyer is back for a third stint in New England. The veteran is 1-11 as a starter since 2016. Hoyer’s thrown 14 touchdown passes and eight interceptions over the last four seasons.

Tom Brady signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in March after 20 years in New England.

Newton’s health remains the biggest question. The veteran missed the final 14 games of last season with a foot injury. Newton has had season-ending surgery in each of the last two seasons.

Newton completed 67.9% of his passes for 3,395 yards, 24 touchdown passes, 13 interceptions and a 94.2 passer rating in 14 games two seasons ago.