Patriots cut Cam Newton, clearing way for Mac Jones to start

FILE — New England Patriots quarterback Cam Newton (1) walks off the field after an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, in this Sunday, Sept. 13, 2020, file photo, in Foxborough, Mass. The Patriots released quarterback Cam Newton on Tuesday, Aug. 31, 2021, clearing the way for rookie Mac Jones to open the season as New England's quarterback, according to a person with knowledge of the move. The person spoke to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the decision has not been announced. (AP Photo/Stew Milne, File)

FILE — New England Patriots quarterback Cam Newton celebrates his touchdown pass to Devin Asiasi in the second half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets, in this Sunday, Jan. 3, 2021 file photo, in Foxborough, Mass. The Patriots released quarterback Cam Newton on Tuesday, Aug. 31, 2021, clearing the way for rookie Mac Jones to open the season as New England's quarterback, according to a person with knowledge of the move. The person spoke to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the decision has not been announced. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola, File)

FILE - New England Patriots quarterback Cam Newton (1) is shown during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the New York Giants in East Rutherford, N.J., in this Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, file photo. The Patriots released quarterback Cam Newton on Tuesday, Aug. 31, 2021, clearing the way for rookie Mac Jones to open the season as New England's quarterback, according to a person with knowledge of the move. The person spoke to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the decision has not been announced. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray, File)

FILE - New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones (10) high-fives New England Patriots running back J.J. Taylor (42) during an NFL preseason football game against the New York Giants in East Rutherford, N.J., in this Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, file photo. The Patriots released quarterback Cam Newton on Tuesday, Aug. 31, 2021, clearing the way for rookie Mac Jones to open the season as New England's quarterback, according to a person with knowledge of the move. The person spoke to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the decision has not been announced. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger, File)

New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones winds up for a pass during an NFL football practice, Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2021, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)

FILE - New England Patriots quarterback Cam Newton leaves the field after an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos in Foxborough, Mass., in this Sunday, Oct. 18, 2020, file photo. The Patriots released quarterback Cam Newton on Tuesday, Aug. 31, 2021, clearing the way for rookie Mac Jones to open the season as New England's quarterback, according to a person with knowledge of the move. The person spoke to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the decision has not been announced. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa, File)

FILE - New England Patriots quarterback Cam Newton (1) reacts during a preseason NFL football game in Foxborough, Mass., in this Thursday, Aug. 12, 2021, file photo. The Patriots released quarterback Cam Newton on Tuesday, Aug. 31, 2021, clearing the way for rookie Mac Jones to open the season as New England's quarterback, according to a person with knowledge of the move. The person spoke to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the decision has not been announced. (AP Photo/Steven Senne, File)