On Tuesday, August 31, the Patriots made a shocking move by releasing their 32-year-old quarterback Cam Newton. Newton played 15 games for the Patriots last season where he put up 2,657 passing yards, 8 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. During the preseason there was an ongoing QB controversy between Newton and the 22-year-old rookie Mac Jones. Coach Bill Belichick was adamant in stating that Cam Newton was the team’s starting quarterback, but Mac Jones simply outplayed him and took the starting spot. Since being on the team, Jones has earned much praise from his teammates including offensive tackle Trent Brown who said. “I think he can be special. To be so young, I think he makes some throws that not a lot of young guys can make.” Jones was selected with the 15th overall pick out of the University of Alabama. He put up great numbers at Alabama recording 4,500 passing yards, 41 touchdowns, with just 4 interceptions.

Many analysts were surprised that Mac Jones fell to the Patriots at the 15th pick due to his success at Alabama. Cam Newton won the MVP in 2015 and many thought he could return to his earlier form. Sadly though he could not return to his former level of play and Cam stated himself that he “would’ve been a distraction for the team.” Newton is the type of player to be a leader, and if he cannot fill that position it may be hard to keep him on the roster. “It’s a gift and a curse,” said Newton. Going forward the Patriots are happy to have Mac Jones as their quarterback and the team looks to have a successful 2021 season. Cam Newton remains a free agent but is bound to get picked up by a team in need of a quarterback in the near future.