Patriots rumors: Jarrett Stidham could get his shot

It seemed like 2021 was going to be Cam Newton’s do over after a tumultuous 2020. His re-signing made it seem like he was guaranteed the starting job, but things might have changed. Could Jarrett Stidham start for the Patriots next season?

Stidham was the guy prior to the 2020 season. Everyone talked about how great he was going to be and that the Patriots would do just fine.

Then training camp happened. Stidham struggled and ended up getting hurt. This forced him into the backup role for the entirety of the season.

Stidham got some chances when Newton was hurt or simply pulled from the game, but he didn’t really get an opportunity to show what he is truly capable of. He has never been able to show what he can do as an NFL starter.

Why Jarrett Stidham could get his shot with the Patriots in 2021.

So far in the offseason, Stidham has been doing all the right things. He began working with QB guru Jordan Palmer and also worked with his Patriots teammates out in California.

I’m not the only one who noticed this. Robert Kraft spoke to the media on Wednesday, and he had some interesting things to say about Stidham.

Having the owner of the team come out and support you must do wonders for a player’s confidence. Stidham has to believe that he can be the starter in 2021.

Now Kraft likely doesn’t have much bearing on football decisions. That is left to the man in the hoodie, Bill Belichick. If Kraft impacted game-day decisions Tom Brady would still be on the roster.

But Kraft is likely telling Belichick to give Stidham a fair shot. It doesn’t seem like Newton is guaranteed the starting spot. This will be the second straight preseason where a QB battle takes place in New England.

There are definitely advantages to playing Stidham. Compared to Newton, Stidham has more upside and potential.

There’s no chance that Newton leads New England to a Super Bowl. Even if he does better in 2021 he still won’t make the Patriots a contender.

Who knows what can happen if Stidham has a good season in 2021? New England might have found their quarterback of the future.

So with Kraft’s support, there is definitely a chance that Stidham ends up starting in 2021. With it possibly being his last opportunity, he better do everything that he can to show New England that he was worth the investment.