BOSTON — The New England Patriots have released quarterback Cam Newton, according to the Boston Globe.
In little more than a week, the former Panthers star and NFL MVP has gone from New England’s starting quarterback to a man without a job.
First-round rookie Mac Jones is now the new starting quarterback for Bill Belichick’s Patriots. Jones was drafted in April from the University of Alabama.
Both quarterbacks performed well in the preseason, although Jones got the lion’s share of action during games. Newton missed a week leading up to the club’s final preseason game after a misunderstanding of COVID-19 protocols forced him off the practice field and into the NFL’s five-day re-entry cadence.
[ End of an era: After 9 seasons, Panthers release QB Cam Newton ]
Belichick declined to say, at the time, whether Newton’s absence had damaged his chances of winning the job.
Newton spent nine seasons with the Carolina Panthers before he was released, and then signed with the Patriots in June 2020.
[ PJOTOS: Cam Newton through the years ]
According to ProFootballTalk, Newton will leave New England with a $2 million signing bonus and a $1.5 million guaranteed salary for 2021. As a vested veteran, he instantly becomes a free agent and can sign with any team.
The 2015 NFL MVP started 15 games for the Patriots last year, his first in New England.
(WATCH BELOW: Former Panthers QB Cam Newton reflects on time in Carolinas in new video)
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