Patriots cut 2020 starting QB Cam Newton in surprise move, clearing the way for first-round pick Mac Jones step into Tom Brady's shadow

The New England Patriots are ready to begin the Mac Jones era at quarterback after cutting veteran starter and former NFL MVP Cam Newton on Tuesday. 

The decision to release Newton - which many considered a surprise - clears the way for the rookie to open the season as New England's quarterback, according to a person with knowledge of the move. The Patriots have been searching for a successor to Tom Brady since he left the team in March of 2020 to join the Buccaneers in Tampa Bay, where he ultimately won his seventh Super Bowl in February. 

The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the decision has not been announced.

The decision to release Newton - which many considered a surprise - clears the way for the rookie to open the season as New England's quarterback, according to a person with knowledge of the move

The New England Patriots are ready to begin the Mac Jones era at quarterback after cutting veteran starter and former NFL MVP Cam Newton on Tuesday

The Patriots have been searching for a successor to Tom Brady since he left the team in March of 2020 to join the Buccaneers in Tampa Bay, where he ultimately won his seventh Super Bowl

Newton's release came hours before NFL teams reduce rosters to 53 players and brings an abrupt end to his stay in New England. Newton went 7-8 as the starter in the Patriots' first season since Tom Brady departed and signed with Tampa Bay. New England finished 7-9 for the year.

'I really appreciate all the love and support during this time, but I must say please don't feel sorry for me!! #imGOOD,' Newton posted on Instagram Tuesday.

Newton started each of New England's three preseason games, but he also missed five days of practice leading into Sunday's exhibition finale against the New York Giants after a 'misunderstanding' of NFL COVID-19 protocols. Newton attended an out-of-town doctor's appointment, and because he is unvaccinated, he had to stay away from the team for five days.

His release on Tuesday sparked speculation that he was cut over his refusal to get vaccinated. 

'What's frustrating is Cam Newton is two vaccine shots away from having just about everybody at his door because buddy, have you seen the QB depth charts in the NFL,' tweeted Detroit Free Press assistant sports editor Andrew Hammond. 

ESPN's Charly Arnolt tweeted: 'I have to believe it's because Cam Newton wouldn't get the COVID vaccine right?'  

ESPN's Charly Arnolt weighed in on the subject, suggesting that the vaccine was the cluprit

Detroit Free Press assistant sports editor Andrew Hammond suggested Newton was 'two vaccine shots away from having just about everybody at his door'

Though he didn't start any exhibition games, Jones took 107 snaps to 38 for Newton. He completed 69 percent (36 of 52) of his passes for 389 yards, a touchdown and no interceptions

Of course, Jones did have a say in the matter.

Though he didn't start any exhibition games, Jones took 107 snaps to 38 for Newton. He completed 69 percent (36 of 52) of his passes for 389 yards, a touchdown and no interceptions. 

Newton finished the preseason with 162 yards, one touchdown and one interception on 14-of-21 passing.  

Running back James White said Newton's departure is example of players never knowing what to expect when roster cuts are made.

'Cam did his best job for us and competed extremely hard. He's a good football player,' White said. 'I hope he gets another opportunity to land on his feet.'

'He's accepted the challenge and he's trying to push us in the huddle,' White said. 'We believe in him.'

ew England Patriots quarterback Cam Newton (1) reacts during a preseason NFL football game in Foxborough, Mass., in this Thursday, August 12 photo 

Fellow Alabama alum and linebacker Dont'a Hightower said last week that Jones' work ethic has stood out in the locker room. He also noted how he recently heard the rookie had been looking at the Patriots' defensive plays to help him conceptualize how opposing defenses might attack.

'I give him credit for that because not a lot of young guys would see that as an opportunity and he did that on his own,' Hightower said. 'You can take that for what it's worth. The kid works hard. I'll leave it at that.'

Coach Bill Belichick acknowledged at the time that Newton's COVID-19 protocols absence provided an opportunity for Jones. The rookie seized it, performing well during the first of two joint practices with the Giants

Coach Bill Belichick acknowledged at the time that Newton's COVID-19 protocols absence provided an opportunity for Jones. The rookie seized it, performing well during the first of two joint practices with the Giants.

'I'm going to be ready whenever my time comes up,' Jones said after Sunday's 22-20 win over New York. 'We got work to do and we'll get the things fixed and then we'll just keep rolling.'

'I've learned at a young age to just prepare like the starter,' Jones said Sunday. 'You don't have to be the starter, but you have to prepare and get into your routine.'

When he was drafted in April, Jones became the first quarterback selected in the first round during Belichick's time in New England.

The Patriots' move means this could mark the second time in the NFL since the merger that more than two rookie quarterbacks started opening games.

Trevor Lawrence already has been named the starter in Jacksonville; Zach Wilson is projected to start for the Jets; and Jones is set for New England's opener against Miami on September 12.

Five rookie quarterbacks started openers in 2012.

Patriots QB Mac Jones (10) signals teammates during an NFL football practice, Tuesday