Only two things can get in the way of Jarrett Stidham starting for the Patriots

At this point, there are really just two things that’ll get in Jarrett Stidham’s way.

Signing Cam Newton

Newton would be a fun option for the Patriots. Considering Jameis Winston made $1.1 million and Andy Dalton made $3 million in base salaries, New England could probably lowball Newton and find a way to fit him under the cap for a year or two. That’s probably all they’d need from him while they figure out their quarterback of the future.

Perhaps it would seem like a drastic measure, with New England changing their offense in a big way to suit him. But that’s not exactly true. The tight ends the Patriots added in the draft, Devin Asiasi and Dalton Keene, would operate nicely in an offense for Newton. So would running backs James White, Rex Burkhead and Sony Michel.

If Newton’s physical showed messy medical information — and Newton has dealt with foot, rotator cuff, ankle, back and shoulder injuries — then the Patriots might bail. Otherwise, he could appeal.