Curmudgeon wrote:Is Jarrett Stidham the quarterback of the future or isn't he? Dalton signed in Dallas with the clear understanding that Dalton would be backing up Dak Prescott. What's the deal in New England? And what kind of message does this send to Stidham?
It is all about the money. The Patriots are offering an opportunity to compete for the starting job of a playoff caliber team but they can't guarantee you any money without damaging the roster. Every other team in the league is obsessed about the QB position and is willing to tie up 30-40 million a year in it. While Brady has been an embarrassment of riches while he was here the fact that he wasn't even paid like a top 10 QB is probably one of the biggest.
Dalton wanted some money guaranteed more than he was worried about whether he would start or not. Cowboys gave him 3 mil base and 7 mil if he ended up starting in Dak holdout. Pats didn't want to do that and probably knew that Newton wanted one more legit shot more than he was worried about guaranteed money for this season. Newton had plenty of suitors as a backup they just couldn't offer him a shot to take the starting job.
I think that they still view Stidham as their guy they have been concerned that he may not have the opportunity to develop in training camp due to Covid19. Bill is ready to work around a weaker QB position, he seems to feel he already has been with Brady. What he isn't going to do is throw a guy who isn't ready in there. The Idea of Hoyer as a starting QB sucked even for a couple of games. This sets up well for the Pats they haven't promised Newton anything if Stidham beats him out so be it. The Pats can go into 2020 with a team that should be able to get to the playoffs while spending less than 3 mil on the QB position.
Even healthy I don't think Newton is a run first guy anymore. He is still a big guy who is tough take down and if the shoulder is good he can make some plays. I don't they will have to change the offense dramatically between him and Stidham.