There are two main reasons why Newton, a former league MVP was signed by the Patriots so late in the off-season.
First, Newton was released by the Carolina Panthers two weeks into the free agency period. He was counting $20M against their cap for a QB that they were uncertain was going to play to the level he did in 2018 before the rash of injuries. They certainly didn’t do Cam Newton any favors. Many QB’s already found new homes. As free agency went on the number of available starting jobs had dwindled to just a couple. I would think New England and Los Angeles Chargers were it and it appeared the Chargers were settled on Tyrod Taylor.