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Max Kellerman calls out ‘Stephen B. Smith’ for his Cam Newton expectations

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Max Kellerman challenges Stephen A. Smith’s cautious outlook on Cam Newton’s potential with the New England Patriots.

Following Cam Newton’s late-June 2020 signing with the New England Patriots, ESPN’s *First Take* hosts Max Kellerman and Stephen A. Smith engaged in a heated debate over the former MVP’s professional future. The disagreement centered on Kellerman’s frustration with Smith’s measured, “middle-of-the-pack” expectations for the quarterback, prompting Kellerman to mock his colleague with the moniker “Stephen B. Smith.”

• The Carolina Panthers released Newton in March 2020 to sign Teddy Bridgewater to a three-year, $63 million contract.
• Kellerman argued that a healthy Newton remains a “one-of-one” elite talent, while Smith expressed skepticism regarding the quarterback’s health and ability to adapt to Bill Belichick’s system.
• The debate arose after Newton joined the Patriots on a one-year, incentive-heavy deal following months of NFL free-agency speculation.

The Origins of the “Stephen B. Smith” Critique

The segment was defined by Kellerman’s pointed critique of Smith’s analytical approach. Kellerman accused Smith of “playing it safe” by suggesting Newton would perform as merely an average starter, rather than embracing the high-ceiling potential of a former league MVP. The exchange served as a flashpoint for the broader NFL discourse in July 2020, as pundits weighed whether the Patriots had secured a franchise-altering talent or a diminished asset.

Kellerman accused Smith of “playing it safe” by suggesting Newton might only be a “middle-of-the-pack” quarterback.

Questions of Health and Scheme Fit

Smith’s skepticism remained rooted in concerns over Newton’s medical history and the significant adjustment required to thrive in the Patriots’ offensive culture. Smith questioned whether Newton could return to his previous physical form after his injury-plagued tenure in Carolina. Kellerman countered these concerns by doubling down on his belief that Newton’s unique skill set, if healthy, allows him to dominate the AFC East regardless of the previous limitations that led to his release from the Panthers.

High Stakes for the 2020 Season

The volatility of the debate underscores the massive uncertainty surrounding New England’s roster construction following the departure of Tom Brady. As the league prepared for the 2020 season, the transition to Newton on a one-year, incentive-heavy deal became the central narrative for the Patriots organization. The N.F.L. community remains split on whether this move represents a masterstroke by Bill Belichick or a calculated risk on a player whose physical durability has been the subject of intense media scrutiny.

Newton is set to make just $1.05 million in base salary, but he can significantly bolster his earnings through active roster bonuses that pay out for every game he is healthy enough to suit up for throughout the 2020 campaign.