Patriots’ Veteran Quarterback Returning On Second Year Of Contract

The New England Patriots really liked what they saw from veteran quarterback Cody Kessler. They signed him to a two-year deal last season. Kessler will join the Patriots this spring unless they make a few changes to the position. Tom Brady is set to become a free agent in March, and the Patriots will have to find a solution to this problem first.

Kessler will give the team a good hand during the spring practice. He will be useful in training camp and the preseason. Well, Kessler isn’t “a high-upside player,” but we’ve seen him start games when necessary.

The Cleveland Browns selected the USC product in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft. He started eight games in his rookie campaign and went 0-8. This happened during his time with a 1-15 team, and he wasn’t terrible. Kessler completed 65.6 percent of his passes for 1,380 yards with six touchdowns and two interceptions with a 92.3 passer rating. The quarterback started four games for the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2018 and was 2-2, completing 64.9 percent of his passes for 709 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions.

A veteran quarterback for the win

At this point in his career, Kessler was a good backup and a starter with safe tendencies and some potential. His arms aren’t huge, and he doesn’t take a lot of risks. Kessler has never lived up to expectations after his junior season with the Trojans when he was able to complete 69.7 percent of his passes for 3,826 yards with 39 touchdowns and five interceptions.

If TB12 leaves and the Patriots decide to go with Jarrett Stidham as their starting quarterback, then Kessler isn’t really a bad choice as a No.2 quarterback.

The Patriots have so many options this season. Brady may re-sign with the Patriots as a free agent. If he doesn’t return, they may add a talented veteran starter by free agency or trade. Marcus Mariota, Teddy Bridgewater, Andy Dalton and Cam Newton are commonly mentioned names.

Kessler may stay as a third-stringer for a second straight season. New England signed Kessler on Sept. 25, and they released him on Oct. 15. He was re-signed on Oct. 28.