New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady is expected to skip the team’s offseason training activities (OTAs), which will start on May 20, but offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels doesn’t mind, expressing confidence that the 41-year-old signal caller will be ready for their Super Bowl title defense. When asked if Brady will be present in the team's voluntary organized team activities, McDaniels responded that he has no idea, but he will be happy if he participates. “I trust completely what he's doing. I'm sure he's in good shape, good condition, and preparing for the year,” said McDaniels.

McDaniels added that it’s not his place to question Brady’s offseason plans, saying he’s aware that “he's working his butt off, and he'll be ready." Brady skipped phase one of the team’s voluntary offseason workout to give more time to his family. However, he shared several of his training videos on social media, working out with wide receiver and close friend Julian Edelman at Boston College and throwing balls to UCLA receivers.

Brady needs to familiarize himself with new teammates

Last season, Brady also skipped OTAs to have more quality time with his family, but still guided the Patriots to their sixth Super Bowl trophy with a 13-3 win over the Los Angeles Rams. However, some quarters are saying that Brady should attend OTAs to familiarize himself with the team’s new wide receivers and tight ends, including rookie wideout N’Keal Harry, who was taken No. 32 in the 2019 NFL Draft, and newly signed target Dontrelle Inman.

The Patiots also signed tight ends Austin Seferian-Jenkins and Ben Watson to fill the huge void left by the retirement of Rob Gronkowski. Brady could also play with rookie offensive linemen Yodny Cajuste and Hjalte Froholt. Brady is expected to join the team’s mandatory minicamp in June.

Stidham has starter qualities

The Patriots took quarterback Jarrett Stidham in the fourth round, using the No.

133 pick to select a possible successor to Brady, who plans to play until he’s 45 years old. Brady’s decision will give the Patriots ample time to see if Stidham could fill Brady’s huge shoes in the future and prepare him for the enormous task of being the starting signal caller. However, Senior Bowl executive director and former Patriots scout Jim Nagy said Stidham has the potential to start.

“Jarrett's got starter ability. No doubt in my mind. If they develop him right,” said Nagy, adding that Stidham is in the right spot with the Patriots to develop his potential and make him a starter. Stidham was impressive in his sophomore season with Auburn, making Auburn head football coach Gus Malzahn predict that he will become a first-round pick in the NFL Draft. However, Stidham’s draft stock dropped after a disappointing junior year.
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