The New England Patriots released quarterback Cam Newton on Tuesday, which means rookie Mac Jones will be the starting quarterback Week 1 against the Miami Dolphins. The news was first reported by Jim McBride from the Boston Globe.
Newton had a disappointing 2020 season in New England, but a lot of his issues could be attributed to not having an offseason, issues dealing with COVID-19, etc. After re-signing this offseason, the veteran had a solid summer and started all three preseason games.
Head coach Bill Belichick had said from the night Jones was drafted, Newton was the starting quarterback. However, he did say that could change once someone played better than Newton.
Apparently, Belichick feels that Jones now has outperformed the former MVP in 2015.
The 15th overall pick of the Patriots out of Alabama this year saw extensive playing time this preseason, but only played very little with the offensive starters.
With the release of Newton, the quarterbacks room in New England now has Brian Hoyer and Jarrett Stidham (PUP) in addition to Jones.
With Jones now being the starting quarterback in New England, that makes Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen the oldest quarterback in the AFC East at the age of 25.
The Patriots will first play the Bills this season on Monday, Dec. 6 in a Week 13 matchup at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park.
Meanwhile, the Week 1 matchup between the Patriots and Dolphins is likely to feature Jones going against his former teammate at Alabama and the fifth overall pick of the 2020 NFL Draft, Tua Tagovailoa.