If an expansion team with no prior history with either player was picking between the quarterbacks, they would take Dalton every time. But the Patriots don’t exist in a vacuum.
Hoyer has spent parts of five seasons and six offseasons with the Patriots. He knows the offense, and there’s no real question or worry with him as a backup or part-time starter. The Patriots have no idea when or if they’ll be able to hold an offseason workout program or training camp because of the coronavirus pandemic.
They have two quarterbacks in Stidham and Hoyer who will show up on Day 1 and start rolling without a learning curve. If the Patriots sign Dalton, they might not know what they have in him for months.
In an ideal world, Stidham will be the Patriots starter this season. So, ultimately, in deciding between Dalton and Hoyer, we’re talking about upside for a backup quarterback. Because of value and starting experience, there’s some appeal to pursuing Dalton. But when it comes down to it, it really doesn’t make much sense for the Patriots in the grand scheme of things in an uncertain offseason and a solid backup option already in place.
https://nesn.com/2020/04/should-patriots-pursue-andy-dalton-after-ex-bengals-qb-was-released/