Patriots: Cam Newton return should not change 2021 NFL Draft plans

The New England Patriots re-signed quarterback Cam Newton earlier this week, bringing him back on a one-year, incentive-laden deal that could be worth as much as $14 million. Bringing Newton back into the building gives the Patriots a viable starting option at the quarterback position and prevents them from having to get over-aggressive and make a major mistake at the quarterback position. That being said, it does not change anything for their long-term quarterback situation.

The Patriots still have a massive long-term need at the most important position on the roster and addressing that need early in the 2021 NFL Draft still makes a ton of sense. If the right opportunity presents itself, the Pats cannot be afraid to get aggressive and trade up for their new franchise quarterback.

The top of this class is loaded with exciting talent at the quarterback position. Trevor Lawrence leads the way, followed by some combination of Zach Wilson, Trey Lance and Justin Fields. Mac Jones is in this conversation for some, but he is a player who needs significant talent around him to be successful. The Patriots simply do not have that kind of offensive talent on the roster to prop Jones up.

Who are the realistic targets?

With Lawrence and Wilson expected to go first and second overall in the 2021 NLF Draft, the most likely targets for New England are Justin Fields and Trey Lance. Both players would make a ton of sense for the team and Newton would be an ideal mentor for either player.

Both Fields and Lance are fantastic talents at the quarterback position and each has exciting dual-threat upside at the next level. Some question Fields’ processing speed and ability to read the field, but his arm talent, athleticism and pinpoint accuracy as a passer make the Ohio State product an incredibly valuable prospect in this class.

Coming from North Dakota State, Lance lacks experience against major college football, but it does not take long when watching him to see his upside at the next level. He also has a big arm and is the single best rushing quarterback in the 2021 NFL Draft class. Lance shows the ability to sit back in the pocket and work within the structure of the offensive but can also escape and improvise when needed.

Make no mistake about it, both of these players are worthy of being a top-five pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. However, if one of them happens to slip a bit, the New England Patriots should take advantage of the opportunity with an aggressive move up the board.

Both Fields and Lance have massive upside at the next level and would immediately improve the long-term outlook of this franchise in a big way. It would not be cheap for the Patriots to move up the board from No. 15 to snag either of these players but it would be the right move to make.