MIAMI GARDENS — Miami Dolphins cornerback Xavien Howard learned Cam Newton was released by the New England Patriots last week when a reporter broke the news to him on NFL’s cut-down day when teams had to finalize their initial 53-man rosters.
“I thought Cam was going to be the starter coming into it. I was expecting him,” said Howard, the Dolphins’ All-Pro who had 10 interceptions last season. “I guess I’ve got to watch film on somebody else, on Mac.
He wasn’t the only one that was shocked to find out the Patriots had moved on from the 32-year-old Newton, paving the way for rookie Mac Jones to be their starter Week 1 when New England hosts the Dolphins.