We know by now that 2015 NFL MVP Cam Newton is the replacement for Tom Brady with the New England Patriots. It always seemed like one of the options on the table when everyone looked to see who was available once Brady left for Tampa Bay.

Newton and New England seemed like a match made in heaven after the fact. But apparently, it almost didn't happen if Cam didn't lighten up his contract demands.

Cam Newton's one year deal to play for the Patriots is worth up to $7.5 million. That's assuming Newton can hit the incentives indicated in the said contract.

But apparently, there was a point in time where he probably asked for much more than that.

The Athletic's Jeff Howe has the scoop on what went down:

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Interestingly, earlier this offseason, the Patriots hadn’t expressed any substantial interest in signing Newton. That changed as he softened his contract demands, according to a source. After all, it wouldn’t have made any sense for the Patriots to sit idly by with Newton throughout the nine-week offseason virtual workout program and then abruptly change course now in the dead point of the calendar – unless, obviously, there was a drastic adjustment from Newton.

The money had to be right for New England to even consider him.

With the addition of Cam Newton, the Patriots will add a former star to a QB rotation that includes Jarrett Stidham, Brian Hoyer and undrafted rookies J’Mar Smith and Brian Lewerke. And although he comes in with clearly the most name power, he was apparently not guaranteed the starting job.

Color me skeptical we'll be seeing anyone but Newton leading the charge on opening day.