Cam Newton is on track for free agency in the spring. This time, Patriots quarterback Greg Hill tells WEEI that he doesn’t want to wait until summer to sign a deal. 
“That will certainly be taken into consideration, ”Said Newton (Twitter link via Mike Reiss from ESPN.com). “I’m not going to wait in the latter part of another season when I get a chance to do something or sign with someone. “
While no decision has been made, the patriots are not expected to re-sign Newton. Newton threw just five touchdowns against ten interceptions, resulting in an NFL low 78.9 quarterback rating. The Patriots expected more from the former MVP and missed the playoffs for the first time in a long time.
Newton can still draw on other teams given his potential and the lack of talent in the QB position. In addition, he has shown that he can still be effective with his feet, having rushed 126 times for 513 yards (4.1 YPC average) and 12 TDs. He also stayed healthy – no mean feat, given his pre-Patriots history.
Wherever he lands, the 31-year-old plans to start.
“If you ask me: do I want to be a backup? Not really!, ‘said Newton. “When I look at other teams, and I look at other players’ play, there are guys who have been getting away with murder for years because of poor play. Do I have the right to say that with the year I had this year? No. But I’ll be honest and say it because that’s what I do. “
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.