Cody Kessler Reportedly Released by Patriots; Stidham, Hoyer Only QBs on Roster

The New England Patriots reportedly are releasing quarterback Cody Kessler, leaving the team with Jarrett Stidham and Brian Hoyer as the only quarterbacks on their roster.  

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported the news Wednesday, calling the release a "surprise."

Kessler spent part of the 2019 season with the Patriots as the third-string quarterback behind Tom Brady and Stidham. He was due to make just $910,000 in base salary next season, so this was likely not a financially motivated decision.

The Patriots have less than $2 million in salary-cap space, so Kessler's release likely isn't related to an impending addition to the quarterback depth chart. Cam Newton and Jameis Winston remain free agents and are by far the best potential veteran replacements for Brady, who signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in free agency.

New England will have to make additional moves in the coming days and weeks to get under the salary cap, which will probably come in the form of more releases and restructured contracts.

As for the quarterback position, the overwhelming odds are Stidham or Hoyer will open the 2020 season as the Patriots' starter—barring Newton or Winston taking a one-year contract for minimal salary. New England could also use its first-round pick on a quarterback like Utah State's Jordan Love, or wait for a Day 2 or Day 3 option.

Kessler, 26, previously spent time with the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars. He's thrown for 2,215 yards and eight touchdowns against five interceptions, posting a 2-10 record as a starter.