The Mac Jones Era is officially upon New England, as the Patriots have released veteran quarterback Cam Newton, according to The Boston Globe’s Jim McBride.
The Patriots’ move to release Newton, who had been declared the starter before training camp even began and was given starter reps throughout the preseason and joint practices, comes after a preseason showing that included a 14-for-21 line for 162 passing yards with one touchdown and one interception in three games.
The door was seemingly opened for Jones following Newton’s absence last week, and Patriots head coach Bill Belichick did not commit to a Week 1 starter when asked about the position following the team’s preseason finale.
Newton, meanwhile, will depart the Patriots after spending the 2020 season as the team’s starter, with 2,657 passing yards, along with eight touchdowns and 10 interceptions, in 15 starts. Newton also rushed for 592 yards, and his 12 rushing scores were the most since his rookie season (14).
With Newton gone, the Patriots will have Brian Hoyer behind Jones as the No. 2 quarterback on the team’s depth chart.
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Ty Anderson is a writer and columnist for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Yell at him on Twitter: @_TyAnderson.