The news broke on Twitter March 22, that the Patriots resigned Brian Hoyer. A quarterback with starting experience who was also familiar with the team, who knows how to study game film, read and prep a defense, and who doesn't make a lot of mistakes. This is Hoyer's third time with the Patriots.
Hoyer was signed with an opportunity to win the starting job according to Hoyer's agent, Joe Litna. Regardless if he wins it or not, he'll also be expected to mentor Stidham; whom the Patriots wanted to sit and develop for another season behind Tom Brady.
"[If] someone offered him $5 million or $6 million to be a backup, Brian still would’ve wanted to be back in New England, They gave him a chance to compete for the starting job, and that’s all he asked for."
On March 24th, The Carolina Panthers informed Cam Newton that he was terminated. Because The Patriots did not have Tom Brady, every quarterback that had any kind of starting experience was linked to the Patriots; Newton was no exception.
The Patriots have shown no interest in Newton. With that said, there have been a plethora of excuses as to why not, including the coronavirus virus, Josh McDaniels, and cap space.
Skylar Carlin of clutch point used one of those excuses in the latest article.
"As of right now, it’s understandable that there’s no interest due to the unusual circumstances of the offseason.
With the coronavirus pandemic affecting the NFL, some free agents haven’t been able to conduct proper physicals with teams. In addition, those same players aren’t able to even visit with a team in person."
Teams will get a chance to see how Newton's recoverying to a season ending foot injury on May 19th. Newton may even find a job as a back up in the league, like Andy Dalton did.
Dalton was another quarterback supposedly linked the Patriots. First, the Patriots were "considering a trade", then they were waiting for him to get released; in the end they wanted him so much they let him sign with the Dallas Cowboys.
The Patriots have shown nothing but praise for Stidham, Hoyer, and the two undrafted quarterbacks on the roster. They signed Byrd, Lee, and four undrafted wide receivers; including Will Hastings, the receiver from Auburn who has a great chemistry with Stidham. They did this because they are trying to help Stidham succeed during the 2020 season.
Newton has NFL starting experience but there is nothing else to show that he is an upgrade over the one time first round projected quarterback that the Patriots selected in the forth round of the 2019 NFL draft.
The Patriots have ignored the free agency Market according to Carlin. "Throughout the offseason, New England hasn’t signed one of the marquee names that were available. Nor did they draft someone that could threaten Stidham."
Like many have, Carlin is underestimating Brian Hoyer. Don't forget the Browns got rid of Hoyer after he pulled them out of the basement and had them trending in the right direction in 2014, going 7-6 as a starter in his second year with the franchise after the club went 4-12 in 2013.
Unlike Newton, Hoyer has never been a starter in a good situation, with a good Head Coach and Good Offensive coordinator. Newton has had that trifecta and blew it. While Hoyer, barring he wins the job; finally has the opportunity to do exactly what Trent Dilfer did in 2000 with the Baltimore Ravens.
Although Belichick left the door open to the possibility of adding a fifth quarterback, it's unrealistic and unless something happens; it will not happen. For now the Patriots are happy with their quarterback situation and people should start getting used to it.
Since 2001, Belichick has had almost every decision he has made questioned; and since 2001 Belichick has found himself in the Playoffs almost every year. Maybe it's time people started trusting Belichick instead of questioning his ability to manage and coach the Patriots organization.
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