Patriots Sign Former Browns and Jaguars Quarterback Cody Kessler

It looks like one pick-six was enough for the Patriots to add some competition for Jarrett Stidham as Tom Brady's backup.

New England signed free agent quarterback Cody Kessler in order to provide some quarterback depth, as well act as another arm during practice if Tom Brady is given a day of rest.

Kessler was drafted in the third round, No. 93 overall, in the 2016 draft by the Cleveland Browns out of USC. Kessler started eight games in 2016, but failed to win a single one-- though much of that can be contributed to the lowly Browns team he played for.

He made four starts last year for the Jacksonville Jaguars, winning two, after the team finally benched Blake Bortles, but was not retained in the offseason following the acquisition of Nick Foles.

In 17 career games (12 starts) Kessler has completed 64.2% of his passes for 2,215 yards, eight touchdowns, and five interceptions.

Stidham was being overtasked at practice on days where Brady was granted rest, often having to work with both the first team and the scout team. With Kessler in town, that will alleviate some of Stidham's duties, while also providing some competition for the former Auburn signal caller.

Stidham through a pick-six to Jamal Adams on Sunday, one of only three pass attempts for the rookie on the night. While the result was less than ideal, it'd be truly shocking if the Pats were considering kicking him to the curb over one errant pass. Still, adding Kessler could certainly spice things up in the quarterback room.