Former Auburn Tigers quarterback Jarrett Stidham has carved out a very profitable niche in the NFL as a backup quarterback.

Jarrett Stidham: From Auburn Tigers to a Profitable Niche in the NFL as a Backup Quarterback

When we talk about NFL quarterbacks, we often focus on the star players who are in the limelight: the starters who drive their teams to championships and receive the bulk of the media attention. However, there’s another category of quarterbacks who, though not in the headlines every week, have made significant impacts on their teams and secured steady careers in the league. Jarrett Stidham, the former Auburn Tigers quarterback, is one such player. Over the past few seasons, Stidham has carved out a profitable niche for himself in the NFL, thriving as a backup quarterback and positioning himself for long-term success in a role that is often undervalued.

Stidham’s path to the NFL was not without its challenges, but his ability to adapt, work hard, and embrace his role as a backup has led him to a steady and prosperous career. This article will explore Jarrett Stidham’s journey from Auburn to the NFL, how he has thrived as a backup quarterback, and why his niche in the league is a testament to his skills, work ethic, and the value of adaptability.

The College Years: A Promising Start at Auburn

Jarrett Stidham’s football journey began with great promise at Auburn University. After transferring from Baylor University, Stidham quickly became the starting quarterback for the Tigers, and his skills were evident from the outset. His arm strength, decision-making, and ability to read defenses helped him lead Auburn to success in the SEC and put him on the map as a promising NFL prospect.

In his first season at Auburn (2017), Stidham displayed an impressive level of poise and maturity, finishing the year with a solid 3,158 passing yards, 18 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions. His performance helped the Tigers win the SEC West division and earn a spot in a major bowl game. He showcased the physical tools and leadership skills that NFL scouts loved: a strong arm, the ability to throw from different platforms, and a calm demeanor under pressure.

Stidham’s success continued into the 2018 season, but a rough patch during his senior year ultimately led to questions about his long-term potential as an NFL quarterback. While his performance at Auburn was solid, he struggled with consistency in certain games and didn’t quite have the breakthrough year that many expected. Despite the ups and downs, Stidham’s college career at Auburn was enough to garner him attention from NFL scouts, and he entered the 2019 NFL Draft with hopes of landing in a good position.

A Leap to the NFL: Drafted by the New England Patriots

In the 2019 NFL Draft, Jarrett Stidham was selected by the New England Patriots in the fourth round (133rd overall pick). The Patriots were in the midst of a dynasty under the leadership of legendary head coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady, who was then still at the helm. Stidham’s selection by New England represented an opportunity to learn behind one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time, but it also meant that Stidham’s journey in the NFL would not be without challenges.

Stidham entered the NFL with high hopes but found himself behind the ever-dominant Tom Brady, whose grasp on the starting quarterback position was firmly in place. This meant that Stidham’s rookie year would largely be spent on the sidelines, learning and developing as a backup quarterback. While many players would be discouraged by this situation, Stidham approached it with a positive attitude, using his time to absorb everything he could from Brady and the Patriots’ coaching staff.

Despite limited playing time, Stidham showed promise in practice and during the preseason, impressing coaches and teammates with his work ethic, poise, and raw talent. His time behind Brady in New England helped him refine his skills and prepare for his eventual opportunity in the NFL.

A Backup Role in the NFL: Thriving in the Shadows

After the 2019 season, Tom Brady left the Patriots to join the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, opening the door for Stidham to possibly earn the starting quarterback position. However, New England decided to sign veteran quarterback Cam Newton in the 2020 offseason, which meant Stidham remained in the backup role. Despite not securing the starting job, Stidham’s steady approach and professionalism allowed him to remain a key member of the team.

As a backup quarterback, Stidham’s role is critical to a team’s success, even if he doesn’t see the field often. Backup quarterbacks are expected to be ready at a moment’s notice and provide leadership and insight when the starter is out. Stidham, understanding the demands of this position, embraced his role and worked tirelessly to improve his craft. Throughout his time with the Patriots, Stidham proved himself to be a valuable asset by maintaining a strong work ethic, being an attentive learner, and staying prepared for any opportunity.

Though Stidham saw minimal playing time during his first few years in the league, he made the most of every chance he had. In 2020, Stidham had brief stints of playing time during regular-season games and showcased flashes of potential, particularly in a Week 17 matchup against the New York Jets where he relieved Cam Newton and led the team to a victory. However, despite these moments, the Patriots ultimately moved forward with Mac Jones as their starting quarterback for the 2021 season, leaving Stidham in the backup role once again.

A Move to the Las Vegas Raiders

In 2022, after three seasons with the Patriots, Jarrett Stidham’s career took a new turn. The Las Vegas Raiders, led by head coach Josh McDaniels—who had previously worked with Stidham as the Patriots’ offensive coordinator—decided to bring him in as a backup to Derek Carr. This move provided Stidham with a fresh start in a new environment, where he could continue to grow as a quarterback and potentially earn a starting role down the line.

Stidham’s stint with the Raiders proved to be a defining period in his career. In Week 18 of the 2022 season, Stidham was called upon to start after Derek Carr was benched. In his debut as the Raiders’ starting quarterback, Stidham delivered an impressive performance, throwing for 365 yards and 3 touchdowns in a close loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. The game was one of the best performances of his career, showcasing his ability to step up in a high-pressure situation and deliver at a high level.

The Raiders’ coaching staff and the league took notice of Stidham’s poise and ability to manage a game, even in a losing effort. Although he didn’t secure the starting job permanently with the Raiders, his performance proved to many that he had the potential to be a competent NFL starter or a highly reliable backup.

Jarrett Stidham’s Niche: The Backup Quarterback Role

Stidham has carved out a successful career as a backup quarterback in the NFL, a role that is often undervalued but crucial to a team’s success. While backup quarterbacks rarely get the spotlight, their ability to step in and execute when called upon is essential for a team’s success over the course of a long season. Stidham’s ability to step in during his time with the Patriots and Raiders showed that he could perform under pressure, even when thrust into unexpected situations.

In the NFL, the backup quarterback role has evolved beyond simply being a placeholder for the starter. The league has become more reliant on quality backups, as injuries and rest periods for starters often require backups to step in. Teams are increasingly investing in reliable, experienced quarterbacks who can step in and maintain the team’s performance. Stidham’s steady career as a backup has allowed him to remain employed in the NFL, with lucrative contracts that highlight his value to his teams.

The Financial Success of the Backup Role

While many may think of the backup quarterback role as being less glamorous, it has proven to be a profitable path for players like Stidham. The financial rewards of being a backup quarterback are significant, especially when considering the length and consistency of contracts. Stidham’s decision to embrace his role as a backup has allowed him to secure several contracts in the NFL, totaling millions of dollars in earnings. In fact, he has found success in this position much like other veteran quarterbacks who have built careers as reliable backups, earning steady paychecks and maintaining long-term careers.

The Future for Jarrett Stidham

As of 2023, Jarrett Stidham continues to play a vital role as a backup quarterback in the NFL. With several teams in need of competent backups, Stidham has proven that he can not only be a reliable substitute but also be ready to start if called upon. His impressive performance against the Chiefs and his ability to lead the Raiders’ offense during a critical game were indicative of his potential to step into a starting role if an opportunity arises. Whether as a backup or potential future starter, Stidham’s value in the NFL is undeniable.

His future in the league looks promising, and whether or not he becomes a full-time starter, Stidham has proven that a backup quarterback role in the NFL can be just as profitable and impactful as that of a starter. He continues to serve as a valuable asset to any team fortunate enough to have him on their roster.