NFL Blew it With Patriots Punishment Thanks to Cam Newton
By Jerry Trotta
Two significant NFL bombshells dropped on Sunday night seemingly out of nowhere as several reports confirmed that free agent Cam Newton agreed to a one-year deal with the New England Patriots. Shortly thereafter, ESPN insider Adam Schefter disclosed the punishment for the Pats' filming scandal from this past season.
Should the three-time Pro Bowler leave New England as a free agent after the upcoming campaign, the team could recoup a compensatory third-round pick in 2022, which would obviously help weather the blow from it being forced to forfeit a 2021 third-rounder as part of their discipline.
This is very New England: Now if Cam Newton plays well in 2020, and leaves as a free agent, the Patriots could get back a compensatory 2022 third-round pick to help make up for 2021 third-round pick the NFL is taking away from New England for its videotape violation.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 29, 2020
We all know that Bill Belichick is a mastermind when it comes to fleecing the NFL's rulebook, but he really outdid himself this time around. The Patriots potentially ending up not even losing any draft capital as a result of signing a quarterback that will allow them to compete is precisely why football fans were so excited to see them take a step back this year.
When the dust settles, New England could end up forking over just $1.1 million and the rights of its TV crew to film games in 2020. That's an atrocity when you consider what the organization was accused of.
NFL has handed down these penalties to the Patriots for their television crew filming the Bengals-Browns game in December, sources tell @MikeReiss:
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 29, 2020
?$1.1 million in club fines.
?Loss of 2021 third-round pick.
?Patriots’ TV crews not allowed to shoot games during 2020 season.
Just when you think the Patriots were going to be an afterthought in the AFC playoff picture, they land a former MVP and bend a loophole in their favor. It's like they never left.