In what can only be described as a stunning turn of events, the New England Patriots have decided to go of quarterback Cam Newton. The quarterback was signed by the franchise last season following the departure of veteran Tom Brady.

While Newton primarily struggled to get going, there were glimpses of what he can provide an offense. That and his work ethic at practice apparently was enough to convince head coach and GM Bill Belichick to extend the free agent to another year-long deal.

But despite extending Newton’s contract, the side opted to draft rookie QB Mac Jones with their first-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. This signaled the start of what proved to be a short battle for the Patriots‘ QB1 spot.

Mac Jones to take over from Cam Newton as Patriots QB1

In what turned out to be the biggest surprise from the Patriots’ roster cutdown, Cam Newton has been released by the franchise. The Boston Globe reported that the two parties have decided to part ways.

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This now leaves the door wide open for rookie Mac Jones to step up and take over as QB1. The Alabama quarterback led his side to a national championship last season before being drafted 15th overall by the Patriots.

Over the course of the preseason, the QB has shown that he has the skill needed to perform at the next level. But growing pains are all but part of every NFL quarterback that Jones too will have to suffer.

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His inexperience could come back to bite the Patriots, situations where a veteran like Cam Newton would be better suited to handle. But as things stand, the 2015 NFL MVP is now yet again a free agent.