Patriots Defender Admits He Knows 'Nothing' About Jarrett Stidham

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated Jan 21, 2026 4:35 PM ET

There'll be plenty of stars on the field when the Denver Broncos and New England Patriots square off in the AFC Championship Game this Sunday, and yet, the biggest storyline leading up to kickoff involves a backup quarterback.

Since Bo Nix suffered a season-ending ankle injury, Jarrett Stidham will start at quarterback this weekend against the Patriots. Although he hasn't started a meaningful game since the 2023 season, Sean Payton is confident in Stidham's abilities.

"He will be ready to go and ready for the moment," Payton told reporters this week. "One of Stiddy's great strengths is his mental aptitude and his progression and understanding plays. There would be practices where I'm looking at [defensive coordinator] Vance [Joseph] getting [mad], because Stiddy's making our defense look bad. He's very accurate. He's got a lot to his ball."

Dec 25, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Jarrett Stidham (8) prior to a game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images© Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

During this Wednesday's media availability, Patriots defensive tackle Milton Williams was asked what he knows about Stidham. The Super Bowl champion's answer was as honest as it gets.

"Nothing," Williams replied. "I ain't gonna lie, nothing. We're going to watch the tape on him and figure out what he likes to do. They didn't like him over Bo, so."

It didn't really sound like Williams was trying to disrespect Stidham. If anything, he was just offering a brutally honest assessment.

What should fans expect from Stidham?

Prior to taking his talents to the NFL, Stidham had an impressive two-year stretch at Auburn where he threw for 5,952 yards with 36 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. He was then drafted by the Patriots with the 133rd overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft.

Stidham was traded to the Las Vegas Raiders after spending three seasons in New England. Towards the end of the 2022 season, he was named the team's starter. He shocked fans in January 2023 when he had 365 passing yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions in a 37–34 overtime loss to the San Francisco 49ers.

As for Stidham's time in Denver, he had 496 passing yards, two touchdowns and a pick in two starts.

Do we expect Stidham to light up the Patriots? Probably not, but Payton can definitely put together a gameplan where his quarterback isn't asked to shoulder the load on offense.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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