Jarrett Stidham has spent his professional career navigating demanding NFL environments while trying to secure a lasting role as a starting quarterback. From his roots at Auburn through long stints on active and practice squads, his journey shows how each team shaped his development.
Below is a snapshot of where Jarrett Stidham has played, with key details on teams, contract years, and how each stop fit into his career arc.
| Team | League Year | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn Tigers | 2015–2018 | Quarterback | Program development and spring practice quarterback as a true freshman, then backup and occasional starter |
| New England Patriots | 2019–2021 | Active roster / Practice squad | Signed as undrafted free agent, allocated to Germany, spent time on practice squad and active roster |
| Las Vegas Raiders | 2022–2023 | Active roster / Practice squad | Traded mid-2022, allocated to DC, on practice squad for majority of tenure |
| Denver Broncos | 2023 | Active roster | Brief midseason window as third-string quarterback |
| San Francisco 49ers | 2024 | Active roster | Signed to depth chart behind Brock Purdy, focused on special teams and situational reps |
Early Development at Auburn University
Jarrett Stidham entered Auburn as a true freshman in 2015 and spent much of his first year learning the system as a program quarterback. The exposure to high-level SEC competition during spring practice and depth chart battles gave him a foundation rarely available to freshmen at other programs.
By his sophomore and junior seasons, Stidham transitioned into a backup role, handling scout team duties and occasional in-game snaps. These years were critical for mastering complex protections, reading defenses, and understanding how NFL-style schemes could translate from college concepts.
Entry into the NFL with the New England Patriots
After going undrafted in 2019, Jarrett Stidham signed with the New England Patriots, a move that placed him directly into an organized veteran quarterback room. In Germany and through multiple practice squad moves, he absorbed nuances of NFL offensive calls, protections, and situational football that are difficult to replicate in college.
Spending parts of three seasons on the Patriots active and practice rosters meant consistent film study, heavy walkthrough reps, and occasional preseason opportunities to showcase decision-making under pressure. This stretch represented his longest contiguous period in the league system and helped refine his professional habits.
Transition to the Las Vegas Raiders
A mid-2022 trade to the Las Vegas Raiders reshaped Stidham's day-to-day routine, placing him in a new locker room with different coaching philosophies and quarterback expectations. Initially allocated to the Detroit Lions' practice squad, he soon joined the Raiders active roster and later settled back onto the practice squad as the club managed depth at the position.
The move highlighted how teams use veteran backups to maintain organizational flexibility, especially when navigating injury designations and allocation windows. Stidham’s adaptability during this phase demonstrated his commitment to staying ready despite inconsistent snap counts.
Short Stint with the Denver Broncos
In 2023, the Denver Broncos added Jarrett Stidham to their active roster on a short-term basis, giving him a rare midseason chance to contribute in a crowded quarterback room. With limited opportunities in game situations, he focused on executing assigned roles, from special teams to emergency pocket presence.
This period reinforced how late-season roster moves can provide brief but valuable exposure for backups aiming to keep their careers alive at the next level. For Stidham, it was another step in understanding the rhythm of NFL roster churn.
Depth Chart Challenges with the San Francisco 49ers
Signing with the San Francisco 49ers in 2024 placed Jarrett Stidham behind a star-studded signal caller in Brock Purdy, pushing him to a deeper backup role. Here he emphasized special teams contributions, walkthrough reps, and maintaining sharpness during extended inactive stretches.
The 49ers environment, with its high standards and detailed preparation routines, tested Stidham's professionalism and ability to stay engaged while seeing limited action. His focus on remaining a reliable professional in a stacked roster illustrated the durability required to compete across multiple seasons.
Key Takeaways for Following Jarrett Stidham's Career
- Each stop built specific professional habits, from Patriots structure to Raiders adaptability.
- Consistent practice squad time kept him prepared despite limited active roster opportunities.
- Special teams and walkthrough reps remained central components of his value on deeper rosters.
- His ability to remain professional in stacked rooms highlights the importance of readiness in backup roles.
- Future opportunities will likely depend on injuries, allocation windows, and veteran presence.
FAQ
Reader questions
Which team gave Jarrett Stidham his first NFL opportunity?
His first NFL opportunity came with the New England Patriots after he signed as an undrafted free agent in 2019.
Did Jarrett Stidham ever appear in a regular season game during his time with the Raiders?
He was elevated to the active roster on gameday a few times in 2022 and 2023 but did not appear in a regular season game during his tenure with Las Vegas.
What role did he have with the Denver Broncos in 2023?
He was on the active roster as a third-string quarterback and special teams contributor, handling limited situational duties.
How did Jarrett Stidham join the San Francisco 49ers in 2024?
He signed as a free agent after his contract with the Raiders expired, joining a deep quarterback room behind Brock Purdy.