Ranking AFC East teams by quarterback situation after Cam Newton signing

1. New England Patriots

Projected Starting Quarterback: Cam Newton
Backups: Brian Hoyer, Brian Lewerke, Jarrett Stidham

Thanks in part to Tom Brady, the Patriots have been the most dominant team in the NFL for almost two decades. The 42-year-old has been arguably one of the best quarterbacks in the league. And it always seemed as if he’d end his career in New England — right up until this offseason as he signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

With Brady gone, it seemed as if second-year quarterback Jarrett Stidham was set to take over. He played well at Auburn but had obvious flaws, leading many to question Bill Belichick. That, of course, all changed on Sunday with the news that Cam Newton is heading to the Patriots.

Over his time in Carolina, Newton was one of the more volatile quarterbacks in the NFL. In 2015, he was incredible for the entirety of the year, winning MVP and leading the Panthers to a Super Bowl. Outside of that one season, though, Newton has not consistently been a high-level player.

Since that 2015 season, the highest PFF (subscription required) grade that Newton has finished with was in 2018 with a 70.9. He’s obviously still athletic with a cannon arm but, as do many players with a rocket on the shoulder, his accuracy has been a problem. Thus, turnovers or just playmaking as a passer has sometimes been an issue.

Some would point out Newton’s poor supporting cast in Carolina but the Patriots don’t offer that much help. Julian Edelman, Mohamed Sanu and N’Keal Harry are the likely starters, which isn’t turning heads. But while Newton may not be the elite player many people prop him up to be, he’s a quality quarterback. And that type of player should allow the Pats to win the AFC East again.