NFL Rumors: Why Cam Newton Was Released By The New England Patriots

There has been plenty of speculation and rumors regarding the New England Patriots’ decision to release Cam Newton shortly before the start of the 2021 NFL season. The quarterback has finally spoken publicly since being cut, addressing the reason for his departure from Foxborough.

In an interview on YouTube with his father, Cecil, the 10-year NFL veteran said he was “absolutely” surprised when Bill Belichick told him he would no longer be part of the team. Newton explained that he would’ve accepted a role as Mac Jones’ backup and denied that his vaccination status had anything to do with his release.

“The reason why they released me is because, indirectly, I was going to be a distraction, without being a starter,” Newton said. “Just my aura. That's my gift and my curse. When you bring Cam Newton into your facility [and] your franchise, people are interested by mere fact of 'Who is he? Why does he wear his hair? Why does he talk? Why does he act? Why does he perform?' All these questions.”

Newton has been a starting quarterback since the Carolina Panthers made him the No. 1 overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft. He won the 2015 NFL MVP award and has made three Pro Bowls.

It’s been a few years since Newton was a productive passer. In his first season with New England last year, the veteran ranked dead last in the NFL with 177.1 passing yards per game. Newton had 592 rushing yards, 12 touchdowns on the ground and a 7-8 record as the starter.

Even after the Patriots selected Jones in the first round of the 2021 draft, Newton was expected to be under center for New England in Week 1. Newton started in the preseason, though Jones put up more impressive numbers and gained support from Patriots fans longing for the next Tom Brady.

“That time with me finding out [about the release] and kind of seeing things different, when I look back at it, I was probably getting two reps to his 10 reps. And that's why it was starting to make sense,” Newton said. “Even though I was starting, that doesn't necessarily mean nothing.

“I think that's where they did a good job with kind of disguising it: ‘Cam took first-team reps today.’ But [media members] didn't know the practice structure. The first-team goes down, the second team goes back, and then the first team comes back, too. And that's when [Jones] was getting his first-team reps.”

Newton starts the season as a free agent and said he doesn’t plan to retire yet.