New England

Patriots Sign QB Cody Kessler, Adding Veteran Depth Behind Brady

Cody Kessler had been on the practice squad of the Philadelphia Eagles

The New England Patriots are adding another quarterback to their roster.

New England is signing Cody Kessler, 26, to its 53-man roster.

Kessler, who was drafted by the Browns in the third round of the 2016 draft, is 2-10 in his career as a starter between Cleveland and Jacksonville. He started four games for the Jaguars last season, going 2-2 and throwing two touchdowns and two interceptions.

Kessler had been on the practice squad of the Philadelphia Eagles. For his career Kessler has completed 64 percent (224 of 349) of his passes, throwing for 2,215 yards, eight touchdowns and five interceptions.

Kessler was listed on the Patriots' website with the number 6. ESPN's Adam Schefter first reported the signing.

The move comes after rookie Jarrett Stidham debuted on Sunday against the Jets, completing the first two passes of his career before throwing an interception that was returned 60 yards for a touchdown by Jamal Adams. The Patriots released veteran Brian Hoyer during final cuts at the end of training camp, leaving Stidham as the lone backup to Tom Brady.

Kessler's addition provides a more veteran presence behind Brady.

After Stidham's pick-six helped the Jets pull within two scores of the Patriots, Brady re-entered the game. New England has not had three quarterbacks on its roster during the regular season since 2016, when Brady was suspended for the first four games due to his role in the "Deflategate" saga. 

Cody Kessler
Copyright AP - Associated Press
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