Free-agent quarterback Cam Newton used his weekly YouTube show on Friday to “clear the air” about his release from the New England Patriots, saying he was released was because, “indirectly, I was going to be a distraction” by not being the starter.
“If they were to ask me would I play behind (Mac Jones), I would have said absolutely,” Newton said. “… The truth of the matter is this: He would have been uncomfortable. And he knew.”
New England released Newton on Aug. 31 during its final cutdown to 53 players, leaving Jones as the starting quarterback. Despite losing out the starting position to rookie first-round draft pick, Newton complimented Jones.
“(Jones) proved that he can be productive. And he will be productive.”
Newton, 32, went on to say in the episode of “Funky Friday with Cam Newton” that the release had “nothing to do with” his vaccination status.
When asked about missing practice due to his leaving New England, Newton said, “They gave me clearance to go. I don’t want nobody to think that I just went… I’m owed a second opinion (on his foot/medical situation). … I just wanted to do a checkup.”
He admitted that he “kind of felt bamboozled” when he learned he had to sit out due to COVID-19 protocols, adding that he wouldn’t have gone if he’d known that would be the result.
The Athletic reported at the time that there were varying levels of organizational frustration in New England when Newton was forced to miss practices. Since he’s unvaccinated, he was subjected to the mandatory five-day re-entry process under the league’s COVID-19 protocols.
Newton ended on a more positive note, though, saying that he “absolutely” has a lot of football left.
“I’ll remove all doubt,” he said. “It’s not 32 guys out there that’s better than me.”
New England opens its season at home against the Miami Dolphins on Sept. 12.
(Photo: Kyle Ross / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Does Newton have a point in terms of being a distraction to Jones?
Matthew Fairburn, Patriots beat writer: He does to an extent. Given what he’s accomplished in his career and the fact that he clearly still thinks he can start in the NFL, him backing up Jones might have been complicated.
He stated clearly he thinks Jones didn’t beat him out. The Patriots felt it would be better for the team and for Jones if they committed to him fully without Newton looking over his shoulder. Having Brian Hoyer around as a backup will be beneficial, too.
What’s next for Cam?
Fairburn: It sounds like Newton is enjoying spending more time with his family than he typically does this time of year. He doesn’t want to retire, but he seems willing to be patient and find the right opportunity. Teams mostly have their quarterback situations figured out at this point, but an injury somewhere could open an opportunity somewhere.
He doesn’t think there are 32 quarterbacks in the NFL better than he is. But the way the Patriots’ offense struggled last season could make it tough for another team to trust him in a starting role.
