Patriots release QB Cody Kessler

Earlier today, the Patriots officially announced that they have released quarterback Cody Kessler. After being signed (9/25), cut (10/16), and re-signed once again on October 28th, the former Brown, Eagle and Jaguar is currently without a home. What this means for the Patriots QB situation, we can only guess and that's what I'm about to do.

Currently under the new proposed (and accepted) CBA, anyone could be placed onto the practice squad. Coach Belichick must like Kessler, as he brought him back to Foxboro, just to have him be a healthy scratch for every game of the season. This could also mean that the team has faith in projected starter and soon-to-be 2nd year man Jarrett Stidham. The team has expressed an interest in having 3 quarterbacks by the start of camp and with the release of Kessler, this could provide Stidham with a leg up over the current back up, Brian Hoyer.

Just last season, Stidham beat out Hoyer for the back up role to Tom Brady and sent Hoyer packing to free agency (later to be signed by the Colts). In my opinion, this would solidify Stidham as the QB1 headed into camp. The Patriots currently have little to no cap space with $1,101,775 and won't be able to sign a big name free agent a.k.a. Cam Newton, Jameis Winston etc.

If the Patriots were to draft a rookie signal caller in April's upcoming draft, expect it to be in the later rounds on Day 3. There is no earthly reason why we should take a QB in Round 1 because it will lead to either one of these scenarios.

A. Draft a QB in Round 1, Said rookie wins job, Jarrett Stidham is sitting on bench for no reason.

B. Draft a QB in Round 1, Stidham beats out the rookie for the job, You've just wasted a first round selection.

So, Kessler could make a return to Foxboro later on in the summer, but don't expect him to be the top dog at QB come Week 1. That's Stidham's job to lose.