FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — When the Patriots selected Mac Jones with the 15th overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft, it spoke volumes about the team’s thoughts on its quarterback position. The Pats offense was abysmal in 2020.
The quarterback play from starter Cam Newton and backups Jarrett Stidham and Brian Hoyer left much to be desired.
But the 31-year-old Newton was re-signed to a one-year "prove-it" deal to return to New England. The former MVP wants to regain his Pro Bowl form. He wants to make it work with the Patriots. Newton also knows he’ll have to be a lot better than he was last year. As for Jones — the first quarterback to be drafted in the first round by New England since 1993 — Newton understood the decision by Bill Belichick.
On Tuesday, Newton said the selection didn’t bother him. In fact, he supported it — both then and now.
“It didn't make me feel any type of way because he was the right pick. In my opinion, he was the best player available and that's what the NFL draft is for,” Newton said. “As far as you know, having any chip on the shoulder, like I mean, you’re stating the obvious. I don't need too much to get myself going, let alone, you know, that happening and there's no disrespect to Mac. It's no disrespect to Bill and his decision. I supported 110% because you still have to do what's right for the organization for the long haul.”
Belichick has already stated that Newton’s his starting quarterback, but added on draft night that it’ll be up to Jones or Stidham to beat out the veteran. This week’s Patriots minicamp has been somewhat of a struggle for Newton as Jones has looked like the best quarterback over the last two practices.
Newton is saying all the right things, but can he hold Jones off?
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