Patriots release Cam Newton, name Mac Jones their starting quarterback

It looks like the New England Patriots are taking the youth route at the quarterback position in 2021.

The team announced Tuesday that they have officially cut Cam Newton from the roster, and named rookie Mac Jones their starting QB entering the 2021 campaign.

Newton, 32, was the club’s starting quarterback last season and had signed a one-year contract that has $3.5 million in guarantees and a potential $1.5 million through incentives. However, his disappointing performance in the team’s three preseason contests plus being sidelined for some time due to a misunderstanding of COVID protocols ultimately led to his demise.

Jones, 22, was selected 15th overall by the Patriots in the 2021 NFL Draft after three seasons with the Alabama Crimson Tide.