The New England Patriots reportedly have no interest in adding Andy Dalton or Cam Newton, meaning they’re likely set to have Jarrett Stidham start.
When Tom Brady left the New England Patriots for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers earlier this offseason, all eyes shifted to Jarrett Stidham in Foxboro. He’s the top dog in Josh McDaniels’ offense now, with Brian Hoyer and Cody Kessler behind him on the depth chart.
Many thought that the Patriots would be interested in trading for or adding another QB through free agency, but according to a report from The Athletic’s Jeff Howe, the team has no interest in Andy Dalton or Cam Newton. The team also currently lacks the cap space that would be needed to make those moves.
Dalton is likely going to be on the move at some point since the Bengals are lined up to select LSU’s Joe Burrow with the first pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. Cam Newton meanwhile was released after the Panthers chose to pay free agent Teddy Bridgewater to take over the offense in Carolina.
The Patriots clearly like Stidham, but like every QB that has yet to play meaningful time in the NFL, he is an unknown commodity. For now though, all signs point towards him being the starter for the Patriots in 2020.
A rookie could be added to the mix, but it will likely be someone in the middle rounds like Jake Fromm rather than an NFL-ready talent. A rookie would likely replace Kessler on New England’s depth chart.
Veterans within the Patriots locker room have been singing Stidham’s praises since Brady’s departure.
“To me, the best thing for Stiddy was he had to go against our defense every week. He didn’t have it easy,” Patriots safety Devin McCourty said during an episode of his Double Coverage Podcast. “I love his poise. I would be faking a blitz sometimes and we’d make eye contact and he’d just start smiling and laughing. To me, there were weeks where he was just on-point. And those were some of our best weeks as a defense, mainly because Stiddy ate us up in practice leading up to the game, and I think put more pressure on us.”
McCourty added, “I think the Stidham’s are going to be in New England for a long time.”
Aside from his time in practice against the Patriots top defensive unit, Stidham showed flashes of excellence in the 2019 preseason. He completed 67.8 percent of his passes while tossing 4 touchdowns with just one interception. Stidham also added 88 yards on the ground.
Now, as a new era begins for the Patriots, Stidham will apparently be the one leading the way.