The 2021 New England Patriots will strap the pads on for the first time this week, injecting a thunderbolt of intensity into the team’s various roster battles.
Ahead of that first padded practice — which is set for Tuesday, according to head coach Bill Belichick — here’s our way-too-early projection for the Patriots’ final 53-man roster:
Quarterbacks (3)
In: Cam Newton, Mac Jones, Brian Hoyer
Out: Jake Dolegala
PUP: Jarrett Stidham
Stidham’s back surgery boosts Hoyer’s odds of sticking on the roster. The 35-year-old’s wealth of NFL and Patriots experience makes him a valuable mentor for the rookie Jones.