Patriots: Jarrett Stidham news could signal end of New England tenure

The New England Patriots are moving into training camp with Cam Newton as the starting quarterback and No. 15 overall pick Mac Jones as the backup.

This means that there’s a high likelihood either Brian Hoyer or former fourth-rounder Jarrett Stidham will be out of a job.

Stidham hasn’t impressed Bill Belichick on the field due to the QB’s propensity for turning the ball over that he’s shown in his short NFL career.

If he was to stick as the No. 3 quarterback, he needed to wow everyone with his performance during training camp.

But Stidham’s comeback season has hit a major roadblock already, as he picked up an injury that may be so severe that he needs to go under the knife.

The quarterback’s shoulder injury is so bad that he’s experiencing back pain whenever he throws, per The Athletic’s Jeff Howe. In order to make up for this loss, New England has signed former Central Connecticut quarterback Jake Dolegala, who was on the Packers’ practice squad for a good chunk of last season.

Will the Patriots cut ties with Jarrett Stidham?

While the former top recruit had a solid, if somewhat disappointing, college career at Baylor and Auburn, Stidham still ended up getting picked in the fourth round due to his combination of arm talent and ability to make plays on the run. He wasn’t given a very long leash, but the results haven’t been very encouraging.

Stidham has completed 24 of his 48 passes, throwing two touchdowns while getting intercepted four times. While his limited film showed that he can pull off some sensational touch passes when protected, he simply has done enough with his limited time to justify he can carve out a long-term role on the Pats.

He did throw his first NFL touchdown against the eventual AFC Champion Kansas City Chiefs, but he also was picked off twice.

https://twitter.com/Patriots/status/1313286051880984576

If he’s yet to impress and will now be hindered by an injury in a very crucial third NFL season, what are the Patriots to do? Stidham was a depreciating asset before this injury. It’s hard to envision him sticking around longer if he’s unable to change the narrative during training camp, given the presence of Jones and likelihood the team would rather keep Hoyer to impart knowledge on the first-round pick.

Throw in the fact that there was a report from last season that the Patriots were frustrated Stidham was forced to miss time with a hip injury, and healthy speculation would suggest this latest ailment doesn’t have Bill Belichick and Co. thrilled.

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