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10 NFL backup quarterbacks who can steal starting jobs in 2020

By Rucker Haringey

NASHVILLE, TN - AUGUST 17: Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels talks with Jarrett Stidham and Brian Hoyer #2 of the New England Patriots during a week two preseason game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on August 17, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Patriots defeated the Titans 22-17. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - AUGUST 17: Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels talks with Jarrett Stidham and Brian Hoyer #2 of the New England Patriots during a week two preseason game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on August 17, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Patriots defeated the Titans 22-17. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /
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Jarrett Stidham, New England Patriots
Credit: Adam Glanzman/Getty Images /

Scouting Report. QB. player. Pick Analysis. New England Patriots. Jarrett Stidham. 3. 47

Until very recently, Stidham was slated to start the year as the Patriots’ starting quarterback. Now that Cam Newton has arrived, Stidham will presumably be slid down the team’s depth chart to the No. 2 position.

That doesn’t mean he’s going to spend the entire 2020 season on the bench. Obviously Newton has a significant injury history that gives Stidham a strong chance to play. Injury isn’t the only way Stidham can get onto the field though.

He also has a strong advantage over Newton in terms of his familiarity with the New England offense. The full-year he’s had to work under Bill Belichick and his staff gives him a real advantage in the quarterback competition. If Newton stumbles, don’t look for Belichick to hesitate to make a change at the quarterback position.

The Patriots are still going to spend significant time and energy on getting Stidham ready to play this offseason. He might be the backup with the best chance to see the field early in the 2020 season. Newton’s health record shows relying on him to play a full 16-game slate is a massive risk. The odds favor New England needing Stidham to win games this year.

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