Deion Branch: Patriots did Cam Newton a favor by releasing him

New England Patriots legend Deion Branch told TMZ Sports that Bill Belichick actually did Cam Newton a favor by releasing him Tuesday, saying the move will allow the former MVP to find a starting job elsewhere. 

Branch believes that if Newton had remained in New England, he would've been on the sideline the entire season serving as the team's second-string QB behind rookie Mac Jones. 

The 42-year-old added that by cutting Newton, Belichick allowed him to try to compete for a starting job elsewhere. 

"Let's tip our hats off to coach Belichick and the move that he did make," Branch said ... "freeing Cam and allowing him to go and seek another team."

Branch believes there will be plenty of suitors for Newton now that he's on the open market, noting everyone from the Houston Texans to the Miami Dolphins could be interested. 

"For sure he'll be picked up," Sanders said. 

While Newton will likely be picked up, he probably won't land a starting job. The only team currently linked to the veteran is the Dallas Cowboys, who already have Dak Prescott as their starter.

Some believe that releasing Newton hurt New England's playoff chances. Branch, on the other hand, said he wouldn't be surprised if Jones led the Patriots back to the playoffs. 

Jones finished the preseason 36-of-52 for 389 yards, with one touchdown and no interceptions. According to Pro Football Focus, he had the highest-graded preseason by a rookie quarterback since 2013.