New England Patriots Rumors: 3 burning quarterback questions

ORCHARD PARK, NY - SEPTEMBER 29: Tom Brady #12 and Jarrett Stidham #4 of the New England Patriots warms up before the game against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field on September 29, 2019 in Orchard Park, New York. New England defeats Buffalo 16-10. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /

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New England Patriots Brian Hoyer (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /

New England Patriots bring back Brian Hoyer

OK, so now they have Jarrett Stidham, the second-year man. Who else do they have at quarterback?

Well, they just released Cody Kessler their third-string quarterback last year. OK, no big deal. But prior to that move, they brought Brian Hoyer back to New England. This is his third stint with the team. He was a good backup to No. 12.

He’ll be 35 years old this season and he’s never really been that effective as a starter. So is the assumption he will again be a backup, this time too? Yet to be seen.

Here’s how I see it. The release of Kessler and the signing of Hoyer are basically non-factors in the 2020 New England Patriots season.

Some prognosticators have suggested that the release of Kessler indicates that the Patriots are truly and totally committed to Stidham as their No. 1 quarterback with Hoyer in reserve. Fine. But where does that get you?

As noted above, it may, in fact, connote a great move by the New England Patriots to elevate Stidham as they once did No. 12, and voila, instant and sustained mega-success. Well, I’m not so certain.

But there is another theory to be espoused and I’ll espouse it. Here’s the theory.

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