Report: Patriots name Cam Newton starting QB

Cam Newton has won the New England Patriots' starting quarterback job for the 2020 season, a source told Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

New England also named the former MVP one of its captains for the upcoming campaign.

The Patriots signed Newton this offseason after losing Tom Brady in free agency. The former Carolina Panthers signal-caller competed with second-year quarterback Jarrett Stidham and veteran Brian Hoyer for the No. 1 job.

Newton, 31, battled injuries last season and appeared in just two games with the Panthers. He spent nine seasons with Carolina before the team released him in March.

The three-time Pro Bowler has completed 66.1% of his passes for 3,967 yards and 24 touchdowns against 14 interceptions in his last 16 appearances dating back to 2018.

In 2015, the former first overall pick led the Panthers to Super Bowl 50 after being named MVP and Offensive Player of the Year during the regular season.

The last quarterback not named Brady to start a season opener for the Patriots was Jimmy Garoppolo, who took over after the six-time Super Bowl champion was suspended in 2016.