Patriots release Cam Newton, leaving Mac Jones as starting quarterback

The New England Patriots released quarterback Cam Newton during their final cutdown to 53 players on Tuesday, a source confirmed to The Athletic. The move means that rookie first-round pick Mac Jones will be the team's starting quarterback.

Newton acknowledged his release on social media, writing in his Instagram story, "I really appreciate all the love and support during this time but I must say ... please don't feel sorry for me!! I'm good."

The 32-year-old was set to enter his second season with the Patriots, after going 7-8 in 15 games as a starter in 2020. He re-signed with the Patriots as a free agent in March on a one-year, $5.1 million deal with only $3.5 million guaranteed.

Newton missed time during OTAs with a hand injury, then again during training camp because of a break in COVID-19 protocols that required him — because he is unvaccinated — to stay away from the team, frustrating some within the organization.

Jones, whom the Patriots took at No. 15 in April's draft, impressed in Newton's absence during joint practices against the Giants, and had a strong showing in the preseason finale against New York on Sunday.

The New England Patriots released quarterback Cam Newton during their final cutdown to 53 players on Tuesday, a source confirmed to The Athletic. The move means that rookie first-round pick Mac Jones will be the team's starting quarterback.

Newton acknowledged his release on social media, writing in his Instagram story, "I really appreciate all the love and support during this time but I must say ... please don't feel sorry for me!! I'm good."

The 32-year-old was set to enter his second season with the Patriots, after going 7-8 in 15 games as a starter in 2020. He re-signed with the Patriots as a free agent in March on a one-year, $5.1 million deal with only $3.5 million guaranteed.

Newton missed time during OTAs with a hand injury, then again during training camp because of a break in COVID-19 protocols that required him — because he is unvaccinated — to stay away from the team, frustrating some within the organization.

Jones, whom the Patriots took at No. 15 in April's draft, impressed in Newton's absence during joint practices against the Giants, and had a strong showing in the preseason finale against New York on Sunday.