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The quarterback competition between former Heisman Trophy winner and Auburn Tiger Cam Newton and 2021 first-round selected quarterback Mac Jones for the New England Patriots was one of the most captivating stories throughout the off-season. On Aug. 31, New England not only named Jones the starting quarterback, but released Newton from the team.
New England’s decision to cut Newton prompted lots of debate, analysis and speculation. Newton’s vaccination status was often cited as a potential reason that went along with his late quarantine status. Another potential reason for Newton’s release could be his injury history.
Since being released, Newton has yet to land a new opportunity. According to Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio, one source says that teams are more concerned with Newton’s history with injuries and his inconsistent throwing. The source with experience in evaluating players and personnel said that Newton has experienced difficulties throwing the ball. Newton’s history with injuries has mostly altered his abilities to throw the ball well.
Newton remains unvaccinated, but there was no indication from Florio’s source that this was the reason why he remains unsigned by a team. Newton missed all but one game in the 2019 season with the Carolina Panthers. The following season, Newton signed with the Patriots after Tom Brady departed for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Newton missed only one game last season due to being positive with COVID-19. He threw for 2,657 yards, 8 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions on 242 completions (out of 368 passing attempts). Newton is coming off one of the worst seasons in his career this past season for New England.
Newton could potentially still be a free agent when the 2021 NFL season starts this upcoming weekend. We’ll see if he lands a new opportunity, perhaps with an NFL team dealing an injury at the quarterback position.
