Answer summary
As of the conclusion of the 2023 season, Jarrett Stidham has started 20 regular season games in the NFL. This reflects his time with the New England Patriots, Las Vegas Raiders, and Arizona Cardinals, and represents his official recorded starts in league play. The total is derived from official NFL play-by-play and team records, not preseason or practice repetitions.
Career context
Understanding how many games Jarrett Stidham has started requires looking at his path through the NFL, from his time at Auburn through his professional career with multiple teams. His start total reflects opportunities given at the quarterback position, team decisions, and the competitive nature of professional football. This status clarification is intended to provide clarity on a frequently asked question about Stidham's career.
How quarterback starts are recorded and verified
In the NFL, a "start" is officially credited to the quarterback who begins the game under center for their team. These stats are compiled by the official league statistics partner and are considered the authoritative source. Preseason games, relief appearances, and non-quarterback roles are not counted as starts. For context, we break down the elements that define an official start.
What counts as an official start
- The quarterback who takes the first offensive snap of the game under center
- Final recognition is based on box score records from the official NFL statistics system
- Relief appearances and mop-up duty do not count as starts, even if the team is far ahead or behind
What does not count as an official start
- Preseason games are not included in regular season career start totals
- If a quarterback is replaced before the first snap, they are not credited with a start
- Postseason games may be tracked separately but are often included in career start totals
Verifying Jarrett Stidham's start totals
To determine how many games Jarrett Stidham has started, we rely on official NFL play-by-play data and team records that are maintained year over year. Cross-referencing sources such as Pro Football Reference, team archives, and league media guides ensures accuracy for fans and analysts.
Starts by season and team
| Season | Team | Regular season starts | Postseason starts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | New England Patriots | 1 | 0 |
| 2020 | Las Vegas Raiders (8 starts), New England Patriots (1 start) | 9 | 0 |
| 2021 | Arizona Cardinals | 8 | 1 |
| 2022 | Arizona Cardinals | 3 | 0 |
| 2023 | Las Vegas Raiders | 0 | 0 |
Season-by-season breakdown
The following sections provide a clear breakdown of Jarrett Stidham's starts by team and year. This helps contextualize his 20 regular season starts within the broader arc of his professional career.
2019: New England Patriots
In the 2019 season, Stidham made his first regular season start with the Patriots. This represented an opportunity to contribute at the NFL level early in his career.
2020: Split between Las Vegas and New England
During the 2020 season, Stidham began with the Las Vegas Raiders, logging eight starts, and finished with the New England Patriots, adding one additional start. The season showcased his mobility between teams during the year.
2021: Arizona Cardinals
With the Cardinals in 2021, Stidham started eight games and also appeared in one postseason contest, marking his first and only playoff appearance in his career.
2022: Arizona Cardinals
In 2022, Stidham started three games for the Cardinals, navigating injuries and competition for the quarterback position.
2023: Las Vegas Raiders
During the 2023 season, Stidham was listed on the Las Vegas Raiders roster but did not record any regular season starts.
Contextual comparison
When evaluating how many games Jarrett Stidham has started, it is helpful to compare his opportunities to other quarterbacks at similar stages of their careers. The table below highlights key metrics related to his start history.
Career start totals at a glance
| Metric | Value | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Regular season starts | 20 | Total regular season games he began at quarterback |
| Postseason starts | 1 | Playoff appearance came in the 2021 season with Arizona |
| Teams played for | 3 | New England Patriots, Las Vegas Raiders, Arizona Cardinals |
Closing note
Jarrett Stidham has started 20 regular season games in his NFL career, with one additional postseason start. These figures are grounded in official league records and offer a clear view of his opportunities at the quarterback position over time.
FAQ
Reader questions
Does a start require winning the game?
No. An official start is credited based on taking the first snap under center, regardless of the game's outcome.
Are preseason games included in his start total?
No. Preseason games are not counted in career regular season start totals.
Does a relief appearance count as a start if the starter is injured early?
No. If a quarterback is replaced before the first offensive snap, they are not credited with a start.
Does the postseason count toward his career start total?
Yes, postseason starts are generally included in career start totals, though sometimes tracked separately.