In a big move made ahead of the Tuesday roster cutdown, the New England Patriots have released former MVP quarterback Cam Newton and named Alabama rookie Mac Jones as their starting QB.
Newton who was signed to a one year deal with some incentives ahead of the 2020 season, started 15 games for New England completing 242 of 368 passes for 2,657 yards with eight touchdowns and 10 interceptions. His best season was in 2015 when he took home the MVP passing for 35 touchdowns, and leading the Carolina Panthers to a Super Bowl appearance. The 32 year old who played college football at Auburn also added 592 rushing yards and 12 scores for the 7-9 Patriots last season.
Jones, taken 15th by New England in the first round of the NFL Draft, had a superb preseason and hopes to help the Patriots return to the playoffs this season. His numbers in his three preseason games were 36-52 passing, 389 yards, with one touchdown and no interceptions.
Also on Tuesday it was announced that New England cornerback Stephon Gilmore is being placed on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list and will miss the first six games of the regular season. Gilmore tore a quad muscle in Week 15 of last season and had offseason surgery. The former Buffalo Bill has 11 interceptions and 185 total tackles with the Pats in four seasons with the team.
