The New England Patriots are signing quarterback Cody Kessler, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Kessler joins the Patriots’ quarterback room which includes Tom Brady and rookie Jarrett Stidham.
Kessler’s arrival comes after Stidham’s NFL debut in the Patriots’ 30-14 blowout of the New York Jets in Week 3. Stidham was 2 of 3 for 14 yards with an interception, which Jets safety Jamal Adams returned for a touchdown. Because of that shaky performance, Stidham’s standing on the depth chart will be worth monitoring. The fourth-round draft choice likely isn’t in danger of getting cut, but Stidham may fall from the backup role to the No. 3 spot behind Kessler, a three-year veteran.
The Browns drafted Kessler with a third-round pick in 2016, and he stayed in Cleveland through the 2017 season. In 2018, the Browns traded Kessler to the Jacksonville Jaguars, where he ultimately served as a starter for four games, with 709 passing yards, two touchdowns, two interceptions and a 64.9 completion percentage.
