The quarterback battle in New England ended abruptly Tuesday when the Patriots released veteran Cam Newton, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
In 15 games with New England, Newton completed 65% of his passes and tossed for 2,657 yards, eight touchdowns, and ten interceptions.
The move means the starting job belongs to rookie first-round pick Mac Jones.
The Patriots had re-signed Newton to a modest one-year deal in March that included $3.5 million in guaranteed money. Newton would have earned $5.1 million if he was healthy and on the roster as a backup, with incentives that upped the potential package to as much as $13.6 million if he was the starter and the team advanced into the playoffs.
