The New England Patriots are starting the Mac Jones era sooner than expected. The Pats announced that they’ve released last year’s starting quarterback Cam Newton, clearing the way for rookie Jones to take the reins of the team’s offense for the 2021 NFL season and beyond.
New England’s head coach Bill Belichick was tight-lipped about his plans for the quarterback position throughout the preseason. Still, nothing indicated that the Pats were preparing to cut ties with Newton. It was believed that the 2015’s NFL MVP would end up getting the nod to start while Jones, who was the No. 15 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, sits behind him and learns the intricacies of quarterbacking at the NFL level.
Still, it appears that Jones’ good performances in the preseason and maturity he showed since joining New England prompted Belichick to give him the starting role right away. The Alabama product also drew praise from the Pats’ veterans, with offensive tackle Trent Brown saying that the rookie “can be special” and special teamer Matthew Slater calling him “a great young man”.
Jones completed 36 out of 52 passes attempted in three preseason games while throwing for 389 yards and one touchdown. He had a great training camp as well and impressed in a recent joint practice with the New York Giants.
Newton, on the other hand, had 162 passing yards with one score and one interception in the preseason action.
Cam Newton joined the Pats ahead of the 2020 NFL campaign after being released by the Carolina Panthers. He started 15 games, leading New England to a 7-8 record and throwing for 2,657 yards and eight touchdowns.
Newton re-signed with the Pats in March, inking a one-year deal that had a potential value of $13.6 million.
