As part of the new deal between the NFL and NFLPA, teams around the NFL must cut their rosters down to 80 players instead of 90. According to the Boston Globe's Jim McBride, the New England Patriots have trimmed their roster down, releasing two quarterbacks.

The two quarterbacks released by the Patriots on Sunday were J'Mar Smith and Brian Lewerke. Both Smith and Lewerke signed with New England as undrafted rookies following the conclusion of the 2020 NFL Draft.

Of course, the Patriots signed Cam Newton nearly a month ago to compete for the starting job in training camp. If Newton is proven to be healthy, then it's hard seeing anyone else starting under center in 2020.

Besides Newton, New England also features Jarrett Stidham and veteran Brian Hoyer at the quarterback position. Seeing that the Patriots are likely going to roster three quarterbacks, it was going to be an uphill climb for Smith and Lewerke to make the roster.

While Smith and Lewerke are released, the Patriots could decide to sign one of them to their practice squad. With COVID-19 causing concern in the 2020 season, teams are going to be wise how they utilize their practice squad players.

Earlier this offseason, the league agreed to allow teams to carry 90 players at the beginning of training camps. However, with the coronavirus at the center of attention, the NFL is trimming the size of rosters to 80 players to reduce the number of players that attend training camps. Hopefully, for guys like Smith and Lewerke, they can get a chance to continue their career — whether it be with the Patriots or not.