Report: Patriots, Newton finalizing 1-year deal

The New England Patriots and quarterback Cam Newton are finalizing a one-year deal worth close to $14 million, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports.

However, $6 million is tied to performance and how far the club might advance in the playoffs, sources told ESPN's Mike Reiss.

Newton joined Bill Belichick's squad last year after nine seasons with the Carolina Panthers. He scored 20 total touchdowns and earned a 7-8 record as New England's starter.

The 31-year-old was on the open market for nearly three months last offseason after his release from Carolina but has opted to return to the Patriots prior to the 2021 league year.

Though he was the team's primary starter in 2020, the former MVP is likely to face competition in training camp. New England currently holds the 15th overall pick in April's draft and has been linked to other free agents and trade candidates.

Newton started strongly last season, winning two of his first three starts, but he tested positive for COVID-19 in early October, missed one game as a result, and proceeded to struggle down the stretch.

He completed nearly 66% of his passes, but the three-time Pro Bowler set career lows (among full seasons) with 2,657 passing yards and eight touchdowns through the air in 2020.