Patriots trade backup QB Jarrett Stidham to Raiders for swap of late-round picks
The New England Patriots apparently aren't looking to create a big competition for the quarterback role this season.
Sports Illustrated first reported on Thursday morning that New England is trading backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham to the Las Vegas Raiders in exchange for a sixth-round draft pick.
Stidham, 25, will join Nick Mullens and Garrett Gilbert in competition for the role of Derek Carr's backup now that Marcus Mariota has been acquired by the Atlanta Falcons.
The former fourth-round pick from the 2019 draft was once thought to be Tom Brady's replacement in New England. The team then had its moment signing Cam Newton and the turn of events that followed pushed Stidham down the depth chart.
Stidham, an Auburn product, has completed 48-of-124 passes for 270 yards with two touchdowns and four interceptions through eight games played at the NFL level.
The trade reunites Stidham with Raiders new head coach Josh McDaniels, who spent many years as offensive coordinator for the Patriots.
As for New England, 2022 NFL Draft selection Bailey Zappe will have less competition battling Brian Hoyer to be Mac Jones' go-to backup.
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