The New England Patriots have to have their roster down from 80 to 53 by 4pm ET on Tuesday. Follow all of the moves here.
After a short burst of moves on Monday, the Patriots currently have 78 players on the roster which means Tuesday should by chock full of releases.
Cam Newton is obviously the biggest shocker in the group. Despite taking first-team reps all preseason and in the practices, and being called the starter by Bill Belichick on two occasions, he was cut on Tuesday.
The word from most is Newton’s vaccination status played a major role in the decision.
There wasn’t just one reason that Cam Newton is gone. It was a combination of at least three, I’m told: Mac Jones’ emergence, Newton’s vaccination stance (which caused a bit of a stir behind the scenes) and Cam’s uninspiring performance this summer.
A couple of factors in play with releasing Cam Newton rather than keeping him on as the Patriots’ backup: His command of the locker room, and his vaccination status. Neither make him an ideal choice as a backup behind a rookie QB.
🗣️@ColinCowherd: “I would not bring in an unvaccinated quarterback.”
Colin Cowherd says Cam Newton’s COVID vaccination status limits his market.
Gunner Olszewski is a name to watch on Tuesday. While he made the Pro-Bowl in 2020 as a punt returner, he didn’t have the greatest preseason or training camp. Kristian Wilkerson is trying to take his spot as a receiver and running back JJ Taylor looks capable of taking over as the punt returner.
Here is a look at where we are right now.
Patriots Cut Ahead of the 2021 NFL Season
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- QB Cam Newton: Released
- S Adrian Colbert: Released
- WR Tre Nixon – Waived
- DT Bill Murray – Waived
- DL – Montravius Adams – Waived
- DL – Akeem Spence – Waived
- OL Will Sherman
- WR Kristian Wilkerson
- CB Dee Virgin
- TE Matt LaCosse
- CB DeAngelo Ross
- CB Myles Bryant
- G Alex Redmond
- WR Isaiah Zuber
- K: Nick Folk
- QB Brian Hoyer: Released
- C James Ferentz: Released
- OT Korey Cunningham: Waived
- LB Tashawn Bower: Waived
- CB Michael Jackson Sr.: Waived
- DT Nick Thurman: Waived/Injured
The other major surprises were veteran kicker Nick Folk, who performed well last season. The Patriots chose to go with rookie undrafted free-agent Quinn Nordin instead. The rookie kicker has an extremely strong leg, but he has struggled with consistency in college, and he even had a tough spell during the Patriots’ second preseason game.
Clearly, Bill Belichick and Co. saw enough to choose him over the reliable, but aging Folk. Several other noteworthy names were not initially a part of the cut list including Stephon Gilmore, Jarrett Stidham and second-year linebacker Anfernee Jennings.
The trio are either on injured reserve or the PUP list. These designations mean the players will miss a good portion of the start of the season before they are available to play.
Nixon was perhaps the toughest guy to cut in this group. The seventh-round pick has excellent speed, but he failed to distinguish himself in training camp and in preseason.
He could still make it as a part of the practice squad.
Patriots Acquisitions Ahead of the 2021 NFL Season
- OL Yasir Durant: Trade
The Patriots added some needed depth on the offensive line with this move. This was the only move to add a player the Patriots completed in the final 24 hours before the cut down to 53 players.
It is still possible we’ll see more roster maneuvering, but for now, your 53-man roster for the New England Patriots is set.
Also Read:
- Sentimental Patriots Draft Pick Among Wave of Players Released
- Patriots vs. Giants: Final Score, Highlights and Updates
- Cam Newton Makes Bold ‘QB1’ Statement on Instagram
- Cam Newton’s Situation in New England Compared to NFC North Veteran
- Twitter Reacts to Patriots Sending Super Bowl Champion RB to Rams
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Patriots Roster Cut Tracker: Pro-Bowl WR on the Bubble