Cam Newton, Ja’Whaun Bentley among eight Patriots captains for 2020 season

On Thursday, the New England Patriots announced eight team captains for the 2020 season.

Quarterback Cam Newton, who has officially earned the title of starter, as Jim McBride of the Boston Globe reported, is among them on offense alongside running back James White and center David Andrews.

On the other side of the ball, the same goes for defensive tackle Lawrence Guy, linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley, cornerback Jason McCourty and safety Devin McCourty.

Perennial All-Pro gunner Matthew Slater rounds out New England’s group on special teams.

Beyond Newton, whose contract became official on July 8, Guy, Bentley and Jason McCourty are first-time Patriots captains.

White and Andrews enter their third and fourth seasons as captains, respectively, while the tenured Devin McCourty and Slater have now extended their streaks to 10 seasons each.

Last year’s list of New England captains included a pair who exited as free agents in quarterback Tom Brady and linebacker Elandon Roberts. In addition, reigning Pro Bowl linebacker Dont’a Hightower opted out ahead of training camp due to Covid-19 concerns.

The NFL’s 53-man roster deadline is set for 4 p.m. ET on Sept. 5.

The season opener will follow for the Patriots at 1 p.m. ET on Sept. 13 in Foxborough.