New England Patriots: 5 Quarterbacks who could take over in 2021
Cam Newton isn’t the New England Patriots’ long-term quarterback, so who could take over in 2021?
Coming into the 2020 NFL season, the biggest question surrounding the New England Patriots was who would take over at quarterback during the new year. With Tom Brady leaving, Bill Belichick signed former NFL MVP Cam Newton to replace him.
Early on in the 2020 campaign, Newton appeared to give New England a new look at quarterback with his ability to hurt defenses both with his legs on the ground and with his arm through the air. The Patriots started the year off winning a pair of contests in the first three weeks, but have since experienced a roller coaster of a season with just a few weeks left to go.
Along the way, Newton has struggled mainly in the passing game for his new team and doesn’t appear to be a long term answer for Bill Belichick and company as they might see their season come to an end without a postseason berth for the first time in 12 years.
With uncertainties still remaining at quarterback both this season and beyond, there are some intriguing options that could arise both on the free-agent market and mainly via trade for New England to explore this offseason.
If New England ultimately decides to part ways with Newton as the 2020 campaign comes to a close, let’s take a look at some early options that could be possibilities for the Patriots to consider when it comes to their next leader under center for the 2021 season and beyond.
New England Patriots 2021 QB option No. 5: Jarrett Stidham
The first quarterback that could be an option for the New England Patriots in 2021 and perhaps beyond that already resides on the roster with backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham.
Coming into the 2020 season, Stidham was initially viewed as a frontrunner to take over as the starting quarterback in New England after the departure of Tom Brady. That was until the Patriots went out and signed Cam Newton off the free-agent market to take the offense over under center and ultimately move Stidham back to the backup role for another season.
In 2020, Stidham is in his second season in the NFL and with the Patriots after breaking into the league during 2019 and serving his rookie campaign behind Brady on the roster.
In his sophomore campaign, Stidham has seen more time under center this year compared to that of his rookie season, part of that due to the continued struggles by Newton in that starting role.
Through Week 14 of the 2020 season, Stidham has appeared in a total of four games for New England, completing 18 of his 33 pass attempts for 212 yards and two touchdowns. The 24-year-old quarterback has also thrown three interceptions while rushing for a total of seven yards on seven attempts.
Going into the new year, many thought the Patriots would lean towards Stidham to hand over the reins of the offense to him given Bill Belichick’s fondness of the young quarterback. If that is still the case and those feelings remain, Stidham could be a prime candidate to finally take things over in 2021.