Bill Belichick signed Cam Newton during the 2020 offseason as a potential long-term replacement for Tom Brady.
The New England Patriots ended up finishing 7-9, so Belichick then made the decision to draft Mac Jones in the first round.
As we know in the present, that turned out to be a wise move.
Jones won the starting job and Newton was a surprise cut right before the start of the season.
It took until November, but the Carolina Panthers finally made the right move to bring him back.
Newton’s personality was an odd fit in New England and based on how both sides did Sunday, Newton and Belichick should have no hard feelings.
The Patriots head coach only had kind words when discussing what he knew of Newton’s Panthers return.
Bill Belichick on @TheGregHillShow indicated he's happy for Cam Newton: "It was great they signed him. Sounded like he had a great day yesterday. Always happy for Cam. … Wonderful guy to coach and be around."
— Ryan Hannable (@RyanHannable) November 15, 2021
He is not wrong in that it is truly great the Panthers decided to bring Newton back.
The decision could save their season.
At the same time, the Patriots are legitimate playoff contenders with Jones under center.
Great Days For Both Sides
Belichick and the Patriots spent Sunday absolutely demolishing the Cleveland Browns.
The final was 45-7 and Jones was even pulled from the game early because he played so well to put it out of reach with a lot of time left.
Going with Jones from the start was a risky move, especially when they could have kept Newton to at least open the season.
But the faith paid off and Jones looks like the best rookie quarterback of his class.
As for Newton, everything seems to have worked out for the best.
CAM NEWTON IS BACK.
📺: #CARvsAZ on FOX
📱: NFL app pic.twitter.com/6gM8zX7UMX— NFL (@NFL) November 14, 2021
He had two touchdowns on his first two touches and should get the starting job this week.
If he was still in New England, he may have been relegated to the bench by now.
NEXT: Mac Jones Deserves A Serious Fine For Dirty Tackle
