Pats sign Newton as Brady's replacement

The New England Patriots have reached an agreement with free-agent quarterback Cam Newton, bringing in the 2015 NFL Most Valuable Player to help the team move on from three-time MVP Tom Brady, a source with knowledge of the deal told Associated Press.

The one-year deal is worth up to $7.5 million with incentives, the person said, speaking on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss it publicly. A Patriots spokesman said the team had nothing to announce Sunday night. The signing was first reported by ESPN.

"I'm as excited as I don't what right now!!" Newton posted on Instagram "All praise to God!! Dropping content tomorrow!! I hope you're ready!! Let's go Pats."

The Patriots had been heading to training camp with 2019 fourth-round draft choice Jarrett Stidham as the heir apparent to Brady, who led the team to six Super Bowl championships since 2001 but signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this offseason.

Stidham appeared in three games last season, completing two passes for 14 yards with one interception.

The only other experienced QB on the defending AFC East champions' roster was 34-year-old Brian Hoyer.

Xinhua - Agencies