In a surprising move, the New England Patriots have reportedly released veteran quarterback Cam Newton ahead of Tuesday’s 4 p.m. ET roster cut deadline, as Jim McBride of the Boston Globe first reported.

The move marks the start of the Mac Jones era in New England.

Newton had re-signed with the Patriots on a one-year $3.5 million guaranteed deal back in March after starting 15 games for the Patriots last season. The former NFL MVP started all three of August’s preseason games while also taking a high percentage of first-team reps throughout training camp.

Earlier this month I wrote a column on why I believe Mac Jones has a higher ceiling than we thought. Looking back at some of the reporting from early on in training camp, there are a few interesting points to look back on.

Specifically, a quote by Cam Newton on Mac Jones’ work ethic stood out to me:

“He wants to be so perfect, and I see his preparation is always pristine, that's what I admire about him, being at such a young age he knows how to prepare and knows when Josh (McDaniels) asks quick questions or when a person asks quick questions, he knows how to kind of have answers for it.”

Newton and Jones both had their ups and downs throughout training camp and in the preseason. Newton had several bright moments, specifically the second preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles. Newton played exceptionally well completing 8 of 9 passes for 103 yards and a touchdown.

Mac Jones played well himself, completing 13 of 19 for 146 yards.

Several Patriots veterans have publicly given the rookie quarterback rave reviews throughout the offseason. Veteran linebacker Dont’a Hightower praised Jones for studying the Patriots defensive playbook.

“Not a lot of young guys would see that as an opportunity,”

Excellent example of Jones’ work ethic behind the scenes.

The new QB1 will be running onto the field when the Patriots regular season kicks off against the Miami Dolphins on Sept. 12, at Gillette Stadium.

There’s a famous quote often used when discussing a competition:

“May the best man win.”

Mac Jones has won the quarterback competition in New England.

His time is now.

And he knows it.

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