AFC East: Biggest question for each team in 2020
New England Patriots: Who will be the opening day starter at quarterback?
This just in, quarterback Tom Brady is now a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. So Bill Belichick, who was hired as head coach the same year (2000) the six-time Super Bowl champion signal-caller was a sixth-round draft choice, now has a decision to make when it comes to his starter behind center.
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A year ago, the organization used a fourth-round pick on Auburn prospect Jarrett Stidham. He only saw action during the regular season in three contests and one of his throws was “memorable,” serving up a pick-six to New York Jets’ safety Jamal Adams in what proved to be a lopsided 30-14 victory in Week 3 at Foxborough.
This offseason, the organization re-acquired the services of veteran quarterback Brian Hoyer, released by the Indianapolis Colts. It will be his third stint with the team after entering the league back in 2009 as an unrestricted free agent. He’s been a member of eight NFL teams but in all his days with the Patriots, he’s never started a game for Belichick’s club.
But that could change in Week 1 this season vs. the Dolphins at Miami. While Stidham did beat out Hoyer a year ago for the backup job behind Brady, it wouldn’t be a shock to see the team go with the more experienced performer — especially early in the season. Stay tuned.