The New England Patriots shocked the NFL world on Tuesday as they abruptly cut quarterback Cam Newton, who was battling with rookie Mac Jones for the starting spot. While it came as a surprise to basically everyone, the Patriots didn't even try to trade Newton before releasing him, according to PFT:

However, there is definitely a couple of ways to look at this. The Patriots could've told Newton that he was going to be the backup to Jones, in which the veteran may have then asked for a release. If New England did trade him, it's unlikely he's going to roll into another team and win a starting job when most organizations already have a good idea of who their first-string QB is going to be.

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This is also a rather interesting decision from the Patriots in the sense that if Jones does get hurt, they don't exactly have a legitimate backup now. 35-year-old Brian Hoyer would now be their second-stringer, but he's not exactly the most reliable QB.

Newton should have no problem finding another team, but playing time will likely be limited. The Cowboys, Texans, and Vikings are all clubs who could have their eye on the former MVP. At least he could potentially have options.