Patriots finally add QB Cam Newton

TORONTO — We all thought Cam Newton would become a New England Patriot in late March. After a delay of three months, it has finally gotten done. Newton is now a Patriot. ESPN’s Adam Schefter and Chris Mortensen have reported that the former Carolina Panthers superstar quarterback has agreed to join the Patriots, to fight for the chance to succeed the departed Tom Brady.

It’s a one-year deal loaded with incentives, ESPN reported. NFL Network reported the deal could max out at $7.5 million.

The Patriots did not immediately confirm the report as of Monday, but Bill Belichick — New England’s head coach and top football czar since 2000 — typically waits to do so until all contingencies are met, including the prospective new player passing his physical.

Newton, the NFL’s No. 1 overall draft pick in 2011 and 2015 league MVP, had been a free agent since March 24 when the Panthers cut him, six days after signing free agent Teddy Bridgewater for $60 million over three years.

Newton, who turned 31 last month, will battle 12year veteran Brian Hoyer and second-year Jarrett Stidham for New England’s starting QB job. Newton and Stidham, 23, are both Auburn University products.

Before the report, Stidham had been tabbed as nominal starter.

For three months we doubters found it hard to believe Belichick would enter an NFL season with so raw and unproven a starter as Stidham, a native Texan drafted by New England in the fourth round a year ago April.