New England Patriots quarterback Cam Newton Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports

Cam Newton supported Patriots drafting Mac Jones '110 percent'

New England Patriots quarterback Cam Newton recently returned to work while dealing with a bone bruise on his throwing hand caused by an accidental collision with a teammate's helmet and is set to open training camp sessions atop the depth chart. 

The one-time NFL Most Valuable Player remained with the Patriots for a second season via a one-year contract in March, roughly six weeks before New England spent the No. 15 pick of this year's draft on Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Mac Jones. 

According to Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk, Newton spoke with reporters on Tuesday and said he supported the decision to draft Jones "110%" He added that Jones was the "right pick" and "best player available." Newton also acknowledged he understands Jones is the heir apparent and will eventually receive an opportunity to start down the road. 

Thus far, all involved are saying the right things as it pertains to New England's quarterback competition. Jones explained last week that all of the signal-callers are "in this together" and working "to get better together," and Jarrett Stidham recently added he wants to battle for the starting gig. 

Newton can't lose his spot in mid-June, but plenty could go right or wrong for him and the club's other quarterbacks between the start of training camp and the final preseason snap in August. 

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Lakers fire HC Darvin Ham after disappointing season
Rangers' Vincent Trocheck downplays second-round showdown with former team
Longtime coach compares Patriots' Drake Maye to two legends
Yankees legend John Sterling shares one regret about retirement decision
NFL media check-in: Who's out, in and staying on TV
ESPN producer gives update on Patrick Beverley snub controversy
Five NFL players with the most to prove after teams declined their fifth-year option
Yankees' Aaron Judge addresses offensive woes creeping into May
Former 49ers quarterback makes feelings on Brock Purdy clear
Bills become latest team to try to fix talented, unproductive wide receiver
Dolphins add another star playmaker on offense
Insider addresses if Patriots will trade for star 49ers WR
Insider shares confusing trade updates on Mets' Pete Alonso
Rams GM details plan to lure Aaron Donald out of retirement
NFC East check-in: Most, least improved position groups post-draft
Pacers ride bench to first playoff series win in 10 years
Knicks guard joins NBA royalty in closeout win against 76ers
Maple Leafs force Game 7 with 2-1 win over Bruins
Georgia makes Kirby Smart the highest-paid coach in college football
Dodgers ace to make first start in nearly two years on Monday

Want more sports news?

Join the hundreds of thousands of fans who start their day with Yardbarker's Morning Bark, the best newsletter in sports.