Reports: Patriots release QB Cam Newton, will make rookie Mac Jones starter

The New England Patriots have released veteran quarterback Cam Newton and plan to make rookie first-round pick Mac Jones the starter, according to multiple reports.

The Boston Globe’s Jim McBride and NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero were first to break the news.

Newton threw eight touchdowns and recorded 10 interceptions while completing 66% of his passes last year. He added 592 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns on the ground in 2020.

It was his first season away from the Carolina Panthers, the team where the first overall pick in 2011 won an MVP en route to a Super Bowl appearance in 2015.

Newton re-signed with the Patriots on a one-year deal for 2021, but only $3.5 million of the $13.6 million deal was fully guaranteed, according to McBride.

Jones was New England’s first-round pick (15th overall) this year.

In three preseason games, he completed 36-of-52 passes (69%) for 389 yards, a touchdown and no interceptions.

That earned him the highest overall Pro Football Focus grade for a rookie quarterback in the preseason since the service began in 2013.

During his final college season at Alabama last year, Jones completed 77% of his passes for 4,500 yards, 41 touchdowns and four interceptions.

The Patriots also have backup quarterbacks Brian Hoyer and Jarrett Stidham on the roster as the NFL 53-man roster cut deadline looms at 1 p.m. MST Tuesday.

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