Earlier today the RankKing dropped an article illustrating some of the free agent QB’s we will see and their potential landing spots, most of which I agree on. There is one glaring issue with this blog post, however…
There is no way Tom Terrific leaves New England officially, right? I mean, he has it MADE with the Pats. That team is basically created with the sole understanding that Brady steers the ship, or at least that’s how it’s seemed for years now.
I do think there is blood in the water enough for this rumor to be discussed as I alluded to in my article earlier this week stating that Kraft is willing to let Brady price himself on the open market, a potential mistake to the organization as a whole.
Let’s say TB12 does find himself with a new franchise at the start of the 2020 season. The Patriots are in arguably the worst situation for this to happen, with Hoyer, Brissett and Garoppolo all no longer on the Pats roster. So the question is…who fills in for Brady?
I’m keeping these names to realistic situations only, so no the Patriots will not have Patrick Mahomes to start the season. I took a look at some potential guys who should be moved, guys who could be moved and notable FA’s who would take the chance at glory in Foxborough. For the sake of just pure argument, I left out guys like Brees, Winston, and Rivers simply because they are going to already be named on the tip of your tongue. You’re welcome, you unimaginative human.
Marcus Mariota
Marcus was the second overall pick a few years back for the Tennessee Titans, but the Oregon product never seemed to hit his stride. The athletic QB has always shown small flashes of potential, but really left Titan’s fans frustrated with his lack of progression at the next level. Look no further than the simple fact that he got replaced by Ryan Tannehill this season, who took the team to the Conference Championships. Marcus would be an interesting addition to the Patriots since he’s athletic and can make the simple passes that have been the staple point to this offense for years now. I think the Titans try to move Marcus, and the Pats should be ready to attack.
Andy Dalton
The Cincinnati Bengals are taking Joe Burrow in the draft so there is no longer a need for the Red Rifle on the roster. The Bengals have said they plan on moving Dalton this offseason, and the Patriots should seriously consider the veteran. Say what you want about Dalton’s career so far but the Bengals did nothing to really help him succeed, including blowing playoff runs as well as the career of one of the most talented receivers in the league in A.J. Green. Put Dalton up north and watch him put up some Brady numbers.
Case Keenum
As Moorhead stated, Case is a free agent and needs a new contract. He isn’t my favorite target on this list for the Pats, but he is just a few rotations of the earth departed from the season he had with the Vikings where the guy looked like a top caliber option. I know he isn’t the same Case from then, but he can still throw the ball deeper than Brady. Why not kick the tires on the NCAA’s greatest arm?
Teddy Bridgewater
Personally, this name is the least likely to be a Patriot, but if the Pats really wanted to keep that monster dynasty running for years, Teddy B is their guy. The reason this is the least likely for me is simply that I think Teddy could demand a high contract this offseason after taking the Saints to a 5-0 when Brees was hurt earlier this year. I want Bridgewater to be an NFL starter now and honestly, this move would make even me like New England.
Matthew Stafford
Although the Lions have come out and said they will not move Matt Stafford this offseason, it would make major sense for Patricia to hook his former team up with one of the NFL’s elite. Stafford is the 8th highest paid QB right now and although that’s pennies compared to the top guys, Patricia eventually will need to get “his guys” in for the Lions team to take shape. I love Stafford and the guy stays consistent with the fact that he wants to remain a Lion, but the NFL is a business…and I’m not quite sure he would complain about being a Patriot.
Nick Foles
The last three names on this list are most likely hail mary calls, but why wouldn’t the Patriots take the QB that beat them in the Super Bowl off of the Jaguars hands? Trust me I know that $88 Milly isn’t something to just accept, but Foles is a system based QB and the Pats have the greatest system we might ever see. They could also steal some draft picks off of DUVAAAAAL here to take on the full contract.
Joe Flacco
Why not? I mean really, why not? Flacco still has (unleaded, not diesel) gas in the tank and the Broncos clearly don’t want him anymore. Another wrinkle in the conversation is that Flacco has been on the books saying he does NOT want to be a mentor QB and he thinks he has time left. Honestly, this one made a little too much sense for me. Flacco has the big arm and knowledge of success to be Billy B’s main dude, IF the Pats can pry him away from the Broncos weird dream of a Flacco / Lock relationship.
Josh Rosen
HEAR ME OUT. I stay Stanning Rosen despite his terrible time in the league. The Cards weren’t committed to winning or rebuilding at that time and the Dolphins just aren’t equipped to give Rosen the attention he needs to succeed. The Patriots could give Rosen a shot and probably be the most likely team to bring him out of his rut. Yes, they then would have two young QB’s in Rosen and Stidham, but that’s a QB competition I would love to see in preseason. Plus if it doesn’t work out, good for Pittsburgh.
Jarrett Stidham
The obvious answer here is the Pats current backup Jarrett Stidham. I understand that he was a late pick with stuff to prove, but the Patriots were comfortable enough to let Brian Hoyer walk away, a move that I just don’t believe they make without assuming that Brady won’t be there forever. Stidham is a solid option at the position, he just needs to simply not turn the ball over and he’s the next Brady. Boom. Simple as that.
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