NFL tracker: Patriots cut quarterback Cam NewtonUSA TODAY SPORTSon August 31, 2021 at 8:34 pm

In the search to find an eventual long-term replacement for Tom Brady in New England, a new quarterback will get his chance.

The Patriots have released veteran passer Cam Newton, clearing the way for rookie first-round selection Mac Jones to be the Week 1 starter, the Boston Globe reported Tuesday.

Newton, who started last year in his lone season in New England, had been involved in a battle with Jones over the starting job throughout training camp. Newton, 32, had been inconsistent in camp and then was eventually forced to sit out five days and three practices after he was placed in the NFL’s COVID-19 list over what the team called a “misunderstanding” of the league’s rules.

In that time, Jones shined as he played most first-team reps in practice.

The Patriots selected Jones, 22, out of Alabama with the 15th overall pick in the first round of the 2021 NFL draft in April.

Newton now becomes a free agent and will be available to sign with any team. In his one season as a starter in New England, Newton completed 65.8% of his passes for 2,657 yards with eight touchdowns and 10 interceptions, while adding 592 rushing yards and 12 rushing scores.

The Patriots went 7-9 and missed the postseason for the first time since the 2008 season.

In other cut day moves:

New Orleans Saints QB Trevor Siemian

The Saints are parting with former Northwestern QB Siemian, but only for the time being, as NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport reported that the team plans to re-sign him once rosters settle after cutdown day. Siemian would serve as the primary backup to starter Jameis Winston with Taysom Hill playing a hybrid role.

Cincinnati Bengals DT Mike Daniels

The former Packers standout started 11 games for Cincinnati last season as he tried to reboot his career. But the Bengals are now poised to look a little younger along the interior line after the team acquired B.J. Hill from the Giants.

Philadelphia Eagles WR Travis Fulgham

Fulgham finished as the Eagles’ leading receiver last year in a breakout season, recording 38 catches for 539 yards for a passing attack that was in desperate need of reliable targets. With first-round pick DeVonta Smith coming aboard and Quez Watkins breakout in training camp and preseason, however, Fulgham didn’t fit into the Eagles’ plans.

Tennessee Titans WR Dez Fitzpatrick

The Titans are cutting ties with Fitzpatrick approximately four months after trading up to select him in the fourth round of the NFL draft. The Louisville product struggled to make his mark on the receiving corps in training camp and preseason.

New York Jets QB Josh Johnson

The veteran journeyman’s stay with Gang Green was a short one, with the team releasing him less than a month after he was signed. The job backing up rookie Zach Wilson now is set to go to Mike White.

Jacksonville Jaguars WR Collin Johnson

A fifth-round pick in 2020, the 6-6, 222-pound Johnson had 18 catches as a rookie. The Texas product could be an option for the team’s practice squad if he goes unclaimed.

Green Bay Packers WR Equanimeous St. Brown

There will be no NFC North rivalry between St. Brown and his brother, Lions rookie wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, after the elder of the two was waived by the team Tuesday. St. Brown caught seven passes in 12 games last year.

Los Angeles Chargers K Michael Badgley

Nicknamed “Money Badger,” Badgley saw his field goal percentage tumble from 93.8% in 2019 to 72.7% last year. Tristan Vizcaino is now poised to take over kicking duties for the Chargers.

Washington Football Team RB Peyton Barber

Barber tallied four touchdowns last season as a backup to Antonio Gibson, but the sixth-year veteran appears to have been leapfrogged by undrafted free agent Jaret Patterson, who was one of the preseason’s biggest standouts. Washington also cut 2020 fourth-round pick Antonio Gandy-Golden.

Detroit Lions LB Jahlani Tavai

A second-round pick out of Hawaii in 2019, Tavai was taken ahead of the likes of Tennessee Titans wide receiver A.J. Brown and Seattle Seahawks wide receiver, among others. He started 10 games for Detroit last year and received a positive review from linebackers coach Mark DeLeone, who said the third-year player was in “a really good position right now” to make the roster. Ultimately, however, Tavai couldn’t latch on with the new regime of first-year general manager Brad Holmes and coach Dan Campbell.

Miami Dolphins C Matt Skura

Despite signing the veteran blocker to a one-year deal in March, Miami is already moving on from Skura as it reshuffles its offensive line. The Dolphins also parted with linebacker Benardrick McKinney, whom the team acquired in a trade with the Houston Texans this offseason.

Dallas Cowboys QBs Garrett Gilbert, Ben DiNucci

The Cowboys appear to have settled their backup quarterback battle, keeping Cooper Rush while parting with Gilbert and DiNucci, who each started a game last year when Dak Prescott was injured.

New Orleans Saints RB Devonta Freeman

The former Atlanta Falcons standout won’t get a chance to jumpstart his career with an old NFC South rival, as Freeman didn’t make the cut in New Orleans after signing with the Saints earlier in August.

Green Bay Packers tackle David Bakhtiari

The Green Bay Packers won’t have David Bakhtiari for the start of the season as the All-Pro left tackle continues his recovery from a torn anterior cruciate ligament. Bakhtiari’s agent, Mark Humenik, confirmed Tuesday that Bakhtiari will begin the season on the physically unable to perform list. The designation means Bakhtiari won’t be available for at least the first six weeks.

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