Career timeline overview
Jarrett Stidham entered the NFL in 2019 as a fourth-round pick and has been in the league for five seasons through 2024. His professional timeline includes the New England Patriots, Las Vegas Raiders, and brief stints with other teams. This profile clarifies his duration in the NFL, milestone seasons, and how his experience compares to other quarterbacks.
Entry into the league
2019 draft and Patriots tenure
Stidham was drafted in the fourth round, 118th overall, by the New England Patriots in 2019. He backed up Tom Brady during his rookie season and gained regular season experience. The following table summarizes key verified attributes of his entry and early NFL years.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Draft year | 2019 | NFL Draft records |
| Draft round and pick | 4th round, 118th overall | NFL Draft records |
| Original team | New England Patriots | Team roster archives |
| First season role | Backup quarterback | Team depth charts |
Teams and tenure
Patriots to Raiders and beyond
After his time in New England, Stidham joined the Las Vegas Raiders, appearing in games and contributing in limited roles. He also spent time on other rosters, illustrating the non-linear path common for many NFL quarterbacks. His league tenure reflects both active rosters and practice squad periods.
- New England Patriots (2019–2021): Backup QB, occasional spot starts
- Las Vegas Raiders (2022): Limited game action
- Subsequent stints: Practice squad and active roster appearances with other teams through 2023–2024
Performance highlights and milestones
Stidham’s NFL tenure includes road games as a backup and short opportunities to start. He has completed passes in meaningful stretches when given the chance, though he has not yet secured a long-term starting role. The following table outlines his notable performance metrics and career phases.
| Metric | Estimate or Range | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Season starts | 2–3 regular season (limited) | Opportunity-based appearances |
| Completion percentage | Approx. 60–65% when active | Small sample spans |
| Teams | 3+ (Patriots, Raiders, others) | Reflects practice and active tenure |
| Years in league | 5 seasons (2019–2024) | Through the 2024 season |
NFL tenure compared to other late-round QBs
Compared to many fourth-round quarterback picks, Stidham has remained on NFL rosters longer than average, moving between active and practice-squad roles. His durability underscores the volatility of quarterback careers, especially for players without a starting background. This relationship explains how his path aligns with and diverges from similar draft-era quarterbacks.
Current status and outlook
As of the most recent offseason, Stidham remains an active NFL participant, seeking a roster spot or practice-squad position. Teams evaluate him based on experience and adaptability to different schemes. His continued presence shows his resilience in a highly competitive position.
Key context and takeaways
Jarrett Stidham has been in the NFL for five seasons, from his 2019 draft class through 2024. His career reflects a journeyman path across multiple teams and roles, offering insights into the realities of being a backup and practice-squad quarterback. The timeline, team moves, and performance data collectively clarify how long he has been active in the league and what that trajectory entails.