Source: Newton will be Patriots starting quarterback

FOXBOROUGH, MASS. » Cam Newton is officially the new starting quarterback of the New England Patriots.

A person familiar with the situation said Thursday that Newton was announced as the starter during a team meeting. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity.

The move was expected after the 2015 league MVP outperformed second-year Jarrett Stidham and veteran Brian Hoyer during training camp. Newton, who signed with the Patriots in July after being released by Carolina, succeeds Tom Brady following his departure to Tampa Bay in free agency.

Newton was also announced as one of eight team captains, along with special teamer Matt Slater, center David Andrews, running back James White, linebacker

Ja’Whaun Bentley, defensive lineman Lawrence Guy, safety Devin McCourty and cornerback Jason McCourty.

“I will not and do not take this opportunity for granted!’ Newton wrote in a post on Instagram along with the captains’ announcement. “I’m so grateful for this organization, my teammates and this city. Thank You! No need to look back now.”

Cowboys cut safety Clinton-Dix

FRISCO, TEXAS » The Dallas Cowboys released safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, cutting ties before the first game with the free agent they hoped could help fill the void of several losses in the secondary.

Clinton-Dix didn’t make it to the regular season despite being reunited with first-year coach Mike McCarthy. He played for McCarthy for four-plus seasons in Green Bay.

The 27-year-old former Alabama star, seen as a potential starter alongside Xavier Woods when he agreed to a deal in March, was demoted during training camp. Darian Thompson took over his first-team reps.

Clinton-Dix was the most experienced safety on the roster, but executive vice president of personnel Stephen Jones said the Cowboys could add another one before the opener Sept. 13 at the Los Angeles Rams.

Clinton-Dix signed a one-year deal with $2.25 million guaranteed, but his release will give the Cowboys $1.5 million in salary cap relief.

Seahawks bring back Gordon

RENTON, WASH. » The Seattle Seahawks are bringing back wide receiver Josh Gordon on a one-year deal even as the talented pass catcher awaits reinstatement by the NFL after his latest suspension.

Gordon’s signing was confirmed on Twitter by his agent David Canter early Thursday and later announced by the team, just two days before the Seahawks must cut their roster to 53 players. Gordon is the second veteran signed by the team in the past week, joining Paul Richardson.

“Josh’s experience with us was really positive. He worked really hard, studied hard, came through when he had his chances in games, made some incredible plays and left us with a really good impression,” coach Pete Carroll said.

Gordon was suspended indefinitely by the NFL last December for violating the league’s drug policy.

He tested positive for performance enhancers and “substances of abuse,” the league said in a statement at the time.