Patriots' Disastrous Cap Situation Indicates They Probably Won't Have a Suitable QB Under Center for 2020
By Michael Luciano
The New England Patriots not only had to stomach the fact that Tom Brady isn't returning to the team after 20 years of service, but they were soon faced to confront the reality that they do not have a suitable replacement lined up under center.
The Patriots only have around $10 million in cap space, but that number could shrink to around $5 million. With the financials likely prohibiting New England from signing an experienced veteran signal caller, they will likely be stuck with Jarrett Stidham and Cody Kessler as their quarterbacks, unless they make some serious moves to free up the financials.
The Patriots have less than $10 million in cap space, likely closer to $5 million, so how are they going to add a QB like Nick Foles, Cam Newton, etc. in addition to adding other players?
— Ryan Hannable (@RyanHannable) March 17, 2020
Most likely scenario is Jarrett Stidham + a veteran on a very cheap contract.
Stidham, a two-year starter at Auburn, was picked in the fourth round of the 2019 draft. While his arm talent has never been in question, his poise in the pocket is a major red flag. Stidham threw just four passes last year in limited action, with one of them intercepted and returned for a touchdown by Jamal Adams.
The Pats haven't used a first-round pick on a quarterback since they picked Drew Bledsoe No. 1 overall in 1993. Could this be the year they're forced to change that trend and pick their next franchise guy? Or have they seen enough in Stidham to be confident in rolling him out as the starter?
The remaining QBs on the #Patriots' roster: Jarrett Stidham (fourth-round pick last year) and Cody Kessler (third-round pick in 2016). ... Will New England use a first-round pick on a QB for the first time since 1993? https://t.co/KWPJ8yTuBc
— NFL Draft (@NFLDraft) March 17, 2020
After serving as the paragon of consistency for the last two decades at the quarterback position, New England is suddenly scrambling for a warm body to line up under center.