Bill Belichick has coached the New England Patriots for 20 seasons, and during that time, there has never been a real training camp quarterback battle. Drew Bledsoe had the job going into the 2000 and 2001 seasons. Tom Brady had it after that.
Technically the position, like all positions on the Patriots, was open. Reality was different.
Brady is now in Tampa, so don’t blame Belichick if he might enjoy, at least on some level, the concept of a QB derby heading into the season. For once he can say he doesn’t know who the Week 1 starter will be, and everyone has to believe him.