Patriots Quarterback: Who Will Be New England’s Starter In 2021?

Following Monday night's 38-9 loss to the Buffalo Bills, New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick wasn't sure who his starting quarterback would be for Week 17.

“Game was over about 10, 15 minutes ago,” Belichick said when asked about his Week 17 starter. “Haven’t made any plans for next week obviously being it’s 15 minutes old.”

Whether it’s Cam Newton, Jarrett Stidham or third-string signal caller Brian Hoyer under center in the season finale, the Patriots have serious questions about their quarterback situation entering 2021.

Newton has been one of the league’s worst passers, throwing for twice as many interceptions as touchdowns. He signed a one-year deal this season and isn't likely to return following a subpar performance.

Stidham hasn’t been any better in his limited time under center with a career 46.4 passer rating. Hoyer was benched in his one start this season and hasn’t won a game as a starter in four years.

It’s an unfamiliar position for Belichick, who knew for nearly two decades that Tom Brady would be his signal caller and give the Patriots a chance to compete for a Super Bowl.

New England was left scrambling for a quarterback last offseason when the future Hall of Famer left for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in free agency. The team ended up signing Newton, who was coming off two straight season-ending injuries.

The Patriots could have a difficult time finding a reliable starter for the second straight year whether they rely on free agency, trade or the draft.

Drafting the quarterback of the future will be difficult for New England. The team hasn’t been bad enough to land a top-five draft pick. The Jacksonville Jaguars are expected to draft Clemson QB Trevor Lawrence first overall. When the Patriots make their first-round selection, there likely won’t be anything close to a sure thing left on the board.

The trade market for quarterbacks could be interesting. That’s where New England might be able to acquire a potential reclamation project or an established veteran.

Carson Wentz could become available with Jalen Hurts solidifying himself as the Philadelphia Eagles’ starting quarterback. Wentz was an MVP candidate three seasons ago and led the Eagles to the 2019 NFC East title. He also led the NFL in turnovers when he was benched this season, and he comes with the additional baggage of one of the worst contracts in sports.

Will the Detroit Lions make Matthew Stafford available? Stafford is better than most starting quarterbacks and Detroit could be headed for a much-needed rebuild project after three straight losing seasons.

The most likely option might be for New England to sign one of the veterans they passed on last offseason. Jameis Winston and Andy Dalton were both forced to become backups in free agency when no starting jobs were available. Considering how poorly Newton and Stidham have looked, Winston or Dalton could be a notable upgrade for New England.

Winston led the NFL with 5,109 passing yards in 2019, though he also finished first with 30 interceptions. Dalton has been adequate for the Dallas Cowboys as a replacement for the injured Dak Prescott after spending nine seasons as the Cincinnati Bengals’ starter.

The Patriots (6-9) will miss the playoffs for just the second time in the last 18 years.