The New England Patriots are in need of a long-time solution at the quarterback position, and the expectation is that will be brought in from the outside — either through the draft or, less likely, the trade market or free agency. However, one of the two passers currently under contract with the club also might want a say in this: Jarrett Stidham.
Stidham, who spent most of the 2020 season as the number two behind starter Cam Newton, is currently working out in California with quarterback coach Jordan Palmer. He shared some photos of those sessions on social media recently, attached to a simple message: “Let the 2021 season begin.”
How it will go for the former fourth-round draft pick remains to be seen, but Stidham is certainly entering the offseason as an underdog candidate to become New England’s starting quarterback next year. After all, he finished his sophomore campaign with just a 50-percent completion rate (22 of 44) as well as 256 passing yards, 2 touchdowns and 3 interceptions.
Stidham could get another shot at becoming the Patriots’ QB1 this year, but after two disappointing seasons is very much in do-or-die territory when it comes to his long-term outlook with the organization.