Upon Tom Brady's departure in free agency, most people believe Jarrett Stidham will serve as the the New England Patriots' starting quarterback in 2020. Rob Ninkovich, a former linebacker for the Patriots and current ESPN analyst, doesn't believe Stidham will start in Week 1.

During Friday's episode of ESPN's Get Up, Ninkovich shared his opinion on what will transpire in New England:

“I think Brian Hoyer will be the starter Week 1 and I say that because the quarterback position is one of the most important for reps under center, seeing defensive looks, looking at coverage, understanding the offense … Look, they’re not practicing right now. There’s no minicamp, there’s no offseason, there’s no training camp. We don’t know when that’s going to happen …

“So if you have a veteran quarterback who has been in the system, understands what to expect what an NFL season is like, you’re gonna want to go with a guy who has the veteran leadership [and] also what it takes to be in that building. Look, when you’re a second-year player, you really don’t realize what a season’s like as a starter. You don’t understand what it’s going to take, and not having an offseason does not help. So, Brian Hoyer will be the starter Week 1.”

Earlier this offseason, the Patriots brought back Brian Hoyer, a 12-year veteran with experience starting as well as experience with New England. While Stidham could be the possible long-term option, Hoyer is someone that understands the offense more than Stidham. Hoyer is on his third stint in New England, having previously worked with Josh McDaniels' offense.

Also, with a limited offseason, Hoyer does have an edge over Stidham, who is entering his second season. Despite everyone believing Stidham will begin the year as the starter, Ninkovich confidently believes Hoyer will get the nod.