Patriots release Cam Newton, Mac Jones wins starting QB job

The Cam Newton saga in Foxboro has come to an end.

The New England Patriots have released the veteran quarterback and have named rookie Mac Jones their QB1, Jim McBride of the Boston Globe reported early Tuesday morning.

Newton was expected to be the starting quarterback for the upcoming season after he got off to a hot start in this year's training camp. Head coach Bill Belichick even went so far as to say he planned on starting Newton under center over Jones, who was drafted by the Patriots just this past April. 

Those plans became derailed last week when Newton missed three days of practice last week due to skirting COVID-19 protocols. His absence, mixed with New England's reported frustration with his behavior, opened the door for Jones to snag the starting role.

This story is ongoing, although it is being reported the Patriots didn't try to trade Newton prior to releasing him Tuesday morning.