Pats sign Cody Kessler, adding QB depth behind Tom Brady

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — The Patriots have signed Cody Kessler to their 53-man roster, adding some additional depth behind quarterback Tom Brady.

Kessler spent last season with the Philadelphia Eagles, appearing in five games with four starts. He spent the previous two seasons with the Cleveland Browns, who drafted him in 2016.

For his career Kessler has completed 64 percent (224 of 349) of his passes, throwing for 2,215 yards, eight touchdowns and five interceptions.

Kessler’s addition provides a more veteran presence behind Brady. Rookie Jarrett Stidham is Brady’s backup, but had a rough debut when he relieved Brady late in the Patriots’ 30-14 win over the New York Jets and threw an interception that was returned for a touchdown.