Full circle moment: Jarrett Stidham’s Patriots roots resurface ahead of biggest start of his career

Jarrett Stidham never became the Patriots’ quarterback of the future, but years later, New England is still very much part of his story.

As the Denver Broncos prepare to face the Patriots with a Super Bowl berth on the line, Stidham finds himself in a role few could have predicted when he was drafted by New England back in 2019 - starting an AFC Championship Game against the team that gave him his first NFL shot.

And rather than framing it as a revenge game, Stidham is approaching it with perspective and gratitude.

A Patriots beginning that never fully materialized

The Patriots selected Stidham in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft, viewing the Auburn quarterback as a possible long-term project behind Tom Brady. Instead, his early years in New England were defined by uncertainty and an opportunity that never quite arrived.

Brady left. Cam Newton came in. Mac Jones followed. After three seasons, Stidham was no longer part of the long-term plan. When asked this week about facing New England, Stidham didn’t shy away from acknowledging the role the organization played in his career.

“I’m very appreciative of New England for giving me a shot in this league, drafting me,” Stidham said. “There are still front office guys there that were there when I was there…I’m super appreciative of them for sure.”

Stidham’s exit from New England in 2022 felt insignificant at the time as he was just a depth quarterback moved for late-round draft capital. But the ripple effects from that trade still carry an impact today. That pick helped New England maneuver the draft board in the years that followed, eventually landing Drake Maye, who has since emerged as the face of the franchise and one of the NFL’s most electric young quarterbacks.

Meanwhile, Stidham bounced from Las Vegas to Denver, waiting again for his next real opportunity. Now, in a twist few could have predicted, both quarterbacks are here. One is the Patriots’ present and future. The other is the former draft pick standing directly in their way.

Stidham’s chance came suddenly, following an injury to Broncos starter Bo Nix in the Divisional Round. But the moment itself isn’t overwhelming him. He is just looking forward to getting his shot.

“I’ve only had two play callers in my life,” Stidham said, referencing Josh McDaniels and Sean Payton. “I’m super appreciative of them for sure, but really just fired up for the opportunity for these guys in this locker room.”

There’s an irony to this matchup that’s impossible to ignore. The Patriots moved on from Stidham, and that decision helped them land their franchise quarterback. Meanwhile, Stidham’s persistence has earned him the biggest start of his career against the very team that once saw him as a long-term answer. On Sunday, Jarrett Stidham won’t be trying to prove New England wrong. He’ll simply be showing how far he’s come.

The Broncos and Patriots kick off at 3 p.m. ET from Empower Field at Mile High. You can follow along with all our live coverage of the game right here on AS USA.

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