Report: Patriots ‘probably’ are done at QB position with Brian Hoyer signing

The New England Patriots will be without Tom Brady for the first time in 20 years when they start the 2020 season. With Brady deciding to move on, the Patriots were expected to make a run at a proven quarterback, but instead, they’ve seemingly settled on adding old standby Brian Hoyer to go with Jarrett Stidham in his second season and Cody Kessler. According to Mark Maske of the Washington Post, that’s probably the extent of their offseason moves. But he adds, the “plan could be flexible.”

Cam Newton, Andy Dalton, Jameis Winston and Joe Flacco are all still available, but it doesn’t look like the Patriots are too keen on any of them. Bill Belichick has gone with backup caliber quarterbacks before. In 2008, he had to start Matt Cassel after Brady went down in Week 1. Belichick managed his team to a 11-5 record but missed the playoffs that season.

There is a chance the Patriots go after a quarterback with their first pick, but whoever is still available at 23, probably won’t be ready to lead a NFL team his rookie season. Jarret Stidham looked good in preseason play and Belichick could have more faith in his abilities than the rest of the world at this point. Brian Hoyer is a capable backup, but is getting up in age and hasn’t shown much of late.

There is still a chance the Patriots grab another quarterback on the cheap, but this report doesn’t make it look too likely at this point.