The Patriots signed Cam Newton as the guaranteed starter according to many, which means they redshirted Jarrett Stidham for the season, regardless of how good or bad Newton played. Need proof go back and read what was said about Cam after signing and throughout the competition.
Heading in to the 2021 season, the Patriots on paper have a lot of options. Realistically, I think they only have four. Run with Stidham and Dolegada, re-sign Newton or Brissett, or draft Mac Jones and let Stidham start part of the year, with Dolegada as the projected long term backup.
The Patriots redshirted Stidham and have given him plenty of compliments, even saying he's improved as a player, while his play says otherwise. Going into his third season, Stidham has completed fifty percent of his passes with two touchdowns and four interceptions. Jedd Fisch was brought in purposely to develop Stidham.
Now Cam Newton missed majority of 2019 before getting released by the Panthers. Newton signed with the Patriots in June and was either signed with the starting job guaranteed or he won it by default due to Stidham's injury. All depends on which bandwagon you're with.
Newton played well enough week one, running all over the Miami Dolphins. He followed that up throwing all over the Seahawks, who made the Patriots look like their receivers had elite separation skills.
Then Newton had a horrible first half versus the Raiders and although the Patriots adjusted at half time, that was the beginning of a downward spiral for him. Belichick refusing to make the switch at starter gives way to the thought of a possible Newton return in 2021 or Stidham having a redshirt year in 2020.
Newton had one of the worst seasons ever for a passer in the modern era of the NFL. Newton's ground game maybe enough to bring him back as he put up double digit touchdowns on the ground. He most likely won't be re-signed until after the draft, if they bring him back. If things go south again in 2021, will Belichick replace him?
Jacoby Brissett had his job given away in 2020 but in 2019, he did not have that bad of a season. Brissett completed 60.9% of his 447 passes for 2942 yards, with 18 touchdowns and 6 interceptions. Going 7-8 eight as a starter. Although Brady won more games, Brissett's 2019 was comparable to Brady's 2001 statistics.
The colts went 11-5 in 2020 but Philip Rivers retired and now the Colts are without a starter and have no plans of bringing Brissett back. What makes Brissett a good option is he has experience in the Patriots offense and would only need a review of the playbook. Unlike Newton, if the Patriots want him, he'll be signed before the draft.
If Jimmy Garoppolo gets released, he will be added to the second option but for now, I believe he will cost too many assets to be an option, unless the Patriots can get him for a fourth round draft pick. What would make him a good option is the same thing that makes Brissett one, previous experience.
The last option is Mac Jones. Jones had a very good season in 2020. That's after completing 68% of his passes and 14 touchdowns in 2019. In 2020 Jones completed 77.4% of his passes for 4500 yards, with 41 touchdowns and 4 interceptions on 402 passes.
Jones has played in a pro ready offense at Alabama and is projected to go in the top twenty of the NFL draft. Jones may have to sit for part of the 2021 season and if So, The Patriots would be wise to start Jarrett Stidham in 2021 to increase his trade value.
Stidham is signed through 2022 and the Patriots will need to do as much to advertise Stidham as possible to recover the fourth round draft pick they spent on him, if they go with that option. The Patriots could throw everyone a curve ball but at the moment these are the most likely outcomes.
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