3. But the Patriots didn’t cancel Stidham
He’s not finished. His career still has life. The Patriots probably don’t think they can get Stidham ready to serve as the starter in Week 1 — in part because of the novel coronavirus pandemic and in part because few fourth-round picks (at quarterback) are ready to be the starter in their second year. It was always a natural trajectory for the Patriots to take Stidham along slowly. New England’s decision to add Newton isn’t a condemnation of Stidham’s lack of development. That said, it certainly opens up the door for Newton to win over the Patriots, in the event Stidham’s development does go south.