NFL News

With just over a week from the start of the NFL regular season, teams are tackling their roster crunches, perusing the waiver wires, and making final preparations for Week 1.

With so much action going on, let’s take a look at some of the biggest stories of the week.

Newton Cut, Jones Gets The Job

One of the most intriguing quarterback battles of the offseason was decided on Tuesday as Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots decided that rookie quarterback Mac Jones is ready to start under center.

Not only did they decide to go with Jones, but the Patriots have decided to release incumbent Cam Newton. The move comes with a little over three million in dead money, but this just confirms the organization’s commitment to the rookie quarterback.

Last season, as a junior with Alabama, Jones threw for 4,500 yards, 41 touchdowns, and just four interceptions. After being taken with the 15th overall pick, Jones now takes over an offense that ranked 27th in scoring last season, averaging 20.4 points per game. With Newton gone, it will be veteran quarterback Brian Hoyer who serves as the backup.

New England currently sits +360 to win the AFC East and +3700 to win the Super Bowl this season.

For Newton, he now hits the open market with less than ten days before the beginning of the regular season. Newton threw for 2,657 yards, eight touchdowns, and 10 interceptions last season. He also rushed 592 yards and another 12 scores.

In other New England news, on Tuesday, the Patriots put All-Pro cornerback Stephon Gilmore on the reserve/PUP list. After tearing his quad at the end of last season, Gilmore has been recovering, but he has also been putting pressure on New England over his contract.

The move now puts Gilmore on the sidelines for at least six weeks. Last season, in 11 games before his injury, he had 37 tackles, one interception, and a forced fumble.

With Lawrence Named Starter, Jaguars Move Minshew

Over the weekend, the Jacksonville Jaguars also decided to trade their incumbent starter in favor of a rookie. After drafting Trevor Lawrence with the first overall pick and naming him the starting quarterback, the Jaguars found Gardner Minshew to be expendable.

As a result, the Jaguars traded Minshew to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for a conditional sixth-round pick (could turn into a fifth based off of Minshew’s play).

Last season, Minshew threw for 2,259 yards, 16 touchdowns, and five interceptions over the course of nine games (eight starts).

With Jalen Hurts and Joe Flacco ahead of him, Minshew is not a guarantee to get significant time with Philadelphia, but it still gives them even more depth and the opportunity to see if they can tap into some of his potential.

With the move, Philadelphia currently sits at +7500 to win the Super Bowl while Jacksonville is +12000.

Bears Part Ways With Trufant

After picking up cornerback Desmond Trufant earlier in the offseason, the Chicago Bears have decided to part ways with the veteran.

Trufant has actually missed time from camp as he grieves the passing of his father, and there is still some speculation that the Bears could bring him back after the first week of the season.

For now, though, Trufant hits the open market after a season where he played just six games for the Detroit Lions, amassing 20 tackles, a sack, and an interception.

The Bears ranked 13th in passing yards allowed last season at 233.4. They are currently +5000 to win Super Bowl LVI.