Cam Newton Not Sure If He Will Accept Backup Role

New England Patriots quarterback Cam Newton just completed a disappointing campaign with the Patriots, who missed the playoffs for the first time since 2008. Even though he acknowledged that he didn’t have the kind of year he had hoped for, Newton stopped short of saying he would accept a backup role as he considers free-agent options this offseason.

“Honestly, it’s too early to tell. That’s as honest as I can be,” Newton said Monday in his weekly interview. “Do I think I have starting talent? Absolutely. Do I think a lot of things that I’ve done were devalued? Not the team’s perspective, probably the media’s perspective — absolutely.”

Newton had one of his best games as a Patriot in Week 17. He was 21-of-30 for 242 yards, with three touchdowns and no interceptions. He also rushed for 79 yards on 11 carries, and added a 19-yard touchdown catch.

Update on Cam Newton Contract

“I know out of 32 guys, I’m not the 32 position rank. So you have to also understand, I’m a competitor first. I know what my skill set is, I know what my talent is. I understand that if given the opportunity, there is nobody better than me. That’s how I’ll always feel. I have to also feel realistic about the opportunity that is presented as well,” Newton said in the radio interview.

“If you are asking me, do I want to be a backup? Hell no! When I look at other teams, and I’m looking at other players play, there have been guys that have been getting away with murder for years because of subpar play. Do I have the right to say that with the year I had this year? No. But I’m going to be honest and say it because that’s what I do.”

The 31-year-old veteran finished the season completing 242-of-368 passing for 2,657 yards, with eight touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He added 592 rushing yards on 137 carries, with 12 touchdowns.