There's One Man Standing in the Way of a Cam Newton-Patriots Deal

Two weeks after the NFL Draft, the New England Patriots still appear ready to roll with Jarrett Stidham under center, as Brian Hoyer Googles, "How to impart veteran wisdom when you haven't done that much, actually" behind him.

Meanwhile, 2015 NFL MVP Cam Newton is just about ready to accept a backup job Andy Dalton-style, unless...any high-profile AFC East champions wanted to come to their senses, maybe?

In recent weeks, it's remained clear that a deal is unlikely between the two parties, with most claiming Newton wouldn't fit well in Bill Belichick's system. But perhaps there's another Pats coach to blame for the ongoing stalemate?

Per reports from The Athletic's Joe Person, Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels wasn't “necessarily high” on Newton when he interviewed with the Panthers for their head coaching vacancy.

McDaniels' star will hopefully continue to rise in the coming years without his Tom Brady security blanket, but he seems more likely than ever to stay in New England long-term and succeed Belichick as the team's head man moving forward. Why would he even give Newton a chance to be New England's long-term savior if he has very little interest in working with him?

Every NFL team that would seem to be a Cam Newton fit has been closing the door on him in new and innovative ways this offseason. A McDaniels veto would certainly be a new wrinkle in the conversation, though hardly an unexpected one.

Like Belichick, he'd rather prove his mettle with a moldable piece like Stidham, rather than someone who's set in his ways (and whose ways haven't received rave reviews in recent years, either).