The Patriots have some options but do they have the ability to take advantage of those options, that is the million dollar question. The Patriots have some cap room and the number fifteen pick in this upcoming draft but they really don't have the pass catchers to lure in a great quarterback.
Cam Newton could return. Although he could not operate the Patriots timing offense and was inaccurate, Cam was very good on the ground. The Patriots would need to scrap their playbook-system of twenty years if he returns for a more turnover prone offense.
Newton can be a bridge quarterback and show any young quarterback how to run the football, while his passing will show every quarterback what not to do. Newton seems to have the favor of the locker room and coach Belichick, even though his mechanics are about as bad as Tim Tebow's.
Jarrett Stidham got injured and failed to beat out Cam Newton for the starting spot. Stidham's play all season was comparable to Cam Newton's as a passer. There is a thought among some that Belichick redshirted Stidham in 2020 and kept him reserved to mop up duty. Others see him as just as bad of a passer as Cam Newton.
Ryan Fitzpatrick is finishing up his career in Miami, with Tua looking likely as the Dolphins Starter in 2021. Fitzpatrick went 4 - 3 as a starter and threw 13 touchdowns to 8 interceptions, while completing 68.5 percent of his passes. Fitzpatrick would be a one to two year quarterback for the Patriots and buy them time to develop a quarterback.
Jacoby Brissett is a 29 year old free agent. Who has a 12 - 20 record as a starter for the colts. Brissett lost his starting spot to Philip Rivers in 2020. During his time in Indy, Brissett has completed 59.5 percent of his passes for 6059 yards with 31 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. Brissett has also rushed for 500 yards and 11 touchdowns on 143 carries.
The Patriots have other free agent options but none seem as likely to come to fruition. The Patriots could select a quarterback with the number 15 pick.
Mac Jones from Alabama seems like the best fit. He is a pocket quarterback who can run the Patriots style offense and do what the Patriots expect of a quarterback. Jones would be asked to be a game manager in his rookie year if he starts. The Patriots would have him run a limited offense and rely on the run game and defense.
The Patriots have other options available in the draft. The team could seek to make a trade if they are not keen on any of the quarterbacks in the draft or free agency.
The most likely trade target would be Jimmy Garoppolo. Garoppolo has not looked like the quarterback he was hyped to be before leaving New England but that could be because San Francisco is a difference offense. The 27 year old has a record of 27-8 with the 49ers and has helped guide them to one superbowl appearance.
In his 30 games with the niners, Garoppolo has completed 67.5 percent of his passes for 7352 yards with 51 touchdowns and 26 interceptions. He's also found his way into the endzone twice with his legs. The big knock on Jimmy Garoppolo is he has been injury prone since leaving the Patriots.
The last option the Patriots have is to get Scott Zolak to come out of retirement. He's old but just around the corner. Just kidding.
The Patriots should sign Brian Hoyer to be the quarterback coach. It was his mental ability that helped the Patriots win Superbowl 53 and he's spent a lot of time helping mentor younger quarterbacks.
Whatever the Patriots do at quarterback this season could have major impact on how the team does the next few seasons on their field and in free agency.
The Patriots will need to help out whomever the quarterback is with at least one weapon in this year's draft. While not the best at getting separation, the weapons on the roster should be more productive with anyone under center that's not Cam Newton, more due to Cam needing a larger wing spanned pass catcher.
One thing is for certain, the Patriots have fans anxiously waiting for them to make a decision on the position, and no matter who they go with, not everyone will be happy.
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