They may be committed to Jarrett Stidham right now, but here are three quarterback moves the New England Patriots should consider.
The departure of Tom Brady leaves the New England Patriots in a state of uncertainty at quarterback. They appear to have little if any interest in any veteran options that remain available, so if anything a turn to the draft seems to add someone to the mix seems likely.
At this point, all signs point to Jarrett Stidham being the Patriots’ starting quarterback this year. The 2019 fourth-round pick out of Auburn had just four pass attempts as a rookie, but did look solid last preseason as he garnered praise from Bill Belichick.
Brian Hoyer was brought back for a third stint in New England, and this week Cody Kessler was released. That move more than doubled the Patriots’ cap space, to around $1.6 million, but the primary takeaway is they now have just two quarterbacks on the roster.
So a move to add a quarterback is certainly coming, even if it’s not until the draft late this month. But some other options are still out there, and here are three quarterback moves the Patriots have to consider.
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3. Sign Cam Newton
Signing Newton looks increasingly unlikely for New England. But the longer he remains available, and the Chargers don’t appear inclined to sign him, the Patriots will stand as a potential landing spot.
Other teams being unable to give him a proper physical is holding up the market for Newton. Any contract he signs in the near-term can (and certainly will) have a contingency on passing a physical, but it can also be loaded with incentives based on his health, performance and playing time. The longer he is available, the less leverage Newton has to make any contract demands from a new team. Signing him is a no-risk move right now, with only upside if he is and can stay healthy.
A one-year deal for Newton does not have to derail the Patriots’ faith in Stidham as the quarterback of the future. As long as he’s willing to accept a situation that promises him nothing beyond an opportunity to earn the starting job, Newton to New England is still a possibility.