New England’s Mac Jones era has begun.

According to someone familiar with the matter, the Patriots released Cam Newton Tuesday. This allows the rookie to start the season as New England’s starting quarterback.

The person spoke on condition that they remain anonymous because the decision was not made public.

Newton was released hours before the NFL reduced their rosters to 53 players. This marks an abrupt end of his time in New England. Newton was the Patriots’ starter for the first time since Tom Brady left and signed with Tampa Bay. He finished the season at 7-8. New England was ranked 7-9 for the season.

“I truly appreciate all your love and support during this difficult time. But please do not feel sorry for my situation!” #imGOOD,” Newton posted on Instagram Tuesday.

James White, running back, said that Newton’s departure was an example of players not knowing what to do when roster cuts occur.

“Cam did a great job and competed hard. White stated that he is a great football player. “I hope he gets another chance to land on his feet,” White said.

Newton played in each of New England’s preseason games. However, he missed five days of practice leading up to Sunday’s exhibition game against the New York Giants because he “misunderstood” NFL COVID-19 protocols. Newton went to an out-of town doctor and was unvaccinated so he had five days to miss the team.

Jones impressed throughout training camp with his ability to direct the offense down the field, and rebound from mistakes. He has earned the respect of both the coaching staff as well as veteran players.

White stated, “He accepted the challenge and is trying to push us into the huddle.” “We believe in him.”

Dont’a Hightower, a fellow Alabama alumnus and linebacker, said last week that Jones’ work ethic is what has made him stand out in the locker area. He also mentioned how he heard that Jones had been studying the Patriots’ defensive plays in an effort to help him understand how opposing defenses might attack.

Hightower stated that he gives credit to Hightower for seeing that opportunity as an opportunity. You can take it for what its worth. The child works hard. It’s fine.

At the time, Coach Bill Belichick said that Newton’s COVID-19 protocol absence presented an opportunity for Jones. The rookie took advantage of the opportunity and performed well in the Giants’ first two joint practices.

Jones stated that he was ready to go whenever the opportunity presents itself after Sunday’s 22-20 victory over New York. “We have work to do, and we’ll fix them and then we’ll just keep going.”

Jones played 107 snaps for Newton, despite not starting any exhibition games. He completed 69% (3 out of 52) of his passes, for 389 yards. There was a touchdown and no interceptions.

Jones stated Sunday that he learned early on to prepare as a starter. Jones said, “You don’t have to be the starter. But you do have to prepare and get into your routine.”

Jones was the first quarterback to be drafted by Belichick in April.

This could be the Patriots’ second attempt to have more than two rookie quarterbacks open games since the merger.

Trevor Lawrence has already been named Jacksonville’s starter; Zach Wilson is expected to start for Jets; Jones will be starting for New England against Miami on September 12.

In 2012, five rookie quarterbacks were the openers.