Jarrett Stidham

As recently as last spring, it appeared as though Stidham, who the Patriots took in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft, was viewed as the successor to long-time franchise quarterback Tom Brady. However, the team signed Cam Newton in late June, and the 2015 NFL MVP officially landed the starting job by Week 1. Even when Newton missed his Week 4 start after the team placed him on the reserve/COVID-19 list, it was veteran signal-caller Brian Hoyer who drew the starting nod in his place. Though Stidham did end the campaign as Newton's top backup, it was clear heading into the offseason that the Patriots didn't view him as the team's long-term answer at QB. First, Newton was re-signed. Then, New England took Mac Jones with the 15th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. Finally, Hoyer was brought back by the team in May. While Newton ended up being released in late August, Stidham is slated to miss time early on as recovers from a July back procedure that.

After being taken in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft, Stidham was a little-used rookie backup last season. He was, however, penciled in as the Patriots' starting QB after Tom Brady bolted to Tampa Bay. Alas, New England signed Cam Newton in late June and the 2015 NFL MVP officially landed the starting job in early September. That said, Newton has dealt with injuries over the past two seasons, so Stidham waits in the wings in the event that Newton gets hurt again. The Patriots' patient approach to their post-Tom-Brady quarterback situation might be interpreted as a sign of confidence in Stidham, who was sharp last preseason but only saw mop-up duty (four pass attempts, one pick-six) once the games counted.

Franchise QB Tom Brady is aging gracefully, so the Patriots have yet to prioritize preparing the 41-year-old's replacement. That mindset was evident during the 2019 NFL Draft, when the team waited until the fourth round to select Stidham. With no end in sight for Brady, whose rigorous training and nutritional routine has helped him hold off the inevitable, it looks like the Patriots can afford to take it slow with Stidham, who NFL Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah noted "spins it as well or better than anybody in (the) entire 2019 draft class." Stidham was able to supplant veteran Brian Hoyer after a solid summer and for now, at least, he's Brady's top backup and heir apparent.