The New England Patriots released Cam Newton on Tuesday, clearing the way for rookie Mac Jones to be the team’s starting quarterback in 2021.

Newton, the 2015 NFL MVP, started 15 games last season for the Patriots. He signed a one-year contract with the team this off-season. The Patriots selected Jones with the No. 15 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. Jones led Alabama to a national championship in January, throwing 41 touchdown passes and just four interceptions in his final season with the Crimson Tide.

The 32-year-old Newton struggled in his first year with the Patriots last season, with the franchise finishing 7—9, missing the playoffs. In 15 starts, Newton averaged a career-low 177.1 passing yards per game and finished the season with eight passing touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He also had 592 rushing yards and 12 rushing touchdowns..

Last Monday the team announced Newton had to be away from the team until Aug. 26 after a “misunderstanding about tests conducted away from NFL facilities.” Newton then returned to practice late last week. Patriots coach Bill Belichick said last week that Newton’s absence provided an opportunity for Jones to impress coaches with his play.

The Patriots host the Miami Dolphins in their first regular season game at 4:25 p.m. EDT Sept. 12 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass.

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