Cowboys to ‘explore’ adding Newton
NFL ROSTER CUTS
Cam Newton was released by the New England Patriots in an unexpected move that pushes rookie first-round pick Mac Jones into the starting QB role following a promising pre-season.
Newton said via Instagram “please don’t feel sorry for me. I’m good” in confirming the move. The 32-year-old was re-signed on a one-year deal worth almost US$14 million for 2021, but releasing him before the 53-man roster is set brings significant savings to the Patriots.
New England also opted to go young at kicker, parting with Nick Folk in favour of rookie Quinn Nordin.
Other notable moves include:
❚ In Dallas, Cooper Rush is the lone backup quarterback to Dak Prescott on the 53man regular-season roster of the Cowboys.
Rush is QB2 at The Star perhaps only for the moment, though.
ESPN reported Tuesday the team is set to “explore” signing Newton.
Owner Jerry Jones said Tuesday morning on 105.3 FM in Dallas that Rush was more consistent and has the experience edge, which led to the team releasing competing backups Garrett Gilbert and Ben Dinucci.
❚ Versatile offensive lineman Matt Pryor, who can play guard and tackle, was traded to the Indianapolis Colts from the Eagles on Tuesday.
Pryor, 6-feet-7, 322, is entering his fourth season out of TCU and started 10 games last season for the Eagles.
❚ The Buffalo Bills released tight end Jacob Hollister, quarterback Josh Allen’s teammate at Wyoming. Hollister has 74 catches for 652 yards and six touchdowns in 50 games (10 starts) for the Patriots and Seahawks. He signed with the Bills after Seattle acquired Gerald Everett.
❚ The Detroit Lions released wide receiver Geronimo Allison, a day after parting with veteran WR Breshad Perriman.
Allison hauled in 89 catches for 1,045 yards and six touchdowns in four seasons with the Packers. He signed with the Lions in March 2020 but opted out of the 2020 season due to the pandemic.
The Lions acquired WR Trinity Benson from Denver on Tuesday.
❚ The Carolina Panthers cut quarterback Will Grier, electing to go with former XFL star PJ Walker as Sam Darnold’s backup.
❚ The Green Bay Packers reportedly released offensive lineman Ben Braden, who played in the second-most snaps this preseason of any Packers’ offensive player.
The Packers also cut QB Kurt Benkert, opting for just Jordan Love backing up Aaron Rodgers. Benkert could end up on the team’s practice squad.
❚ The New Orleans Saints released veteran running back Devonta Freeman, who signed with the team at the beginning of training camp.
❚ The Kansas City Chiefs will waive undrafted free agent quarterback Shane Buechele.