We have absolutely no idea what the New England Patriots’ plans are at quarterback following the departure of Tom Brady in free agency.
New England only has one holdover quarterback from last season’s roster in that of youngster Jarrett Stidham after releasing Cody Kessler earlier this week. The Pats also signed veteran backup Brian Hoyer to potentially compete for the starting job.
This obviously has New England in prime position to select a quarterback in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft later in April.
According to longtime Patriots insider Ben Volin of the Boston Globe, New England should get creative and trade up for Alabama product Tua Tagovailoa.
“I think there’s another quarterback-needy team that we should be taking more seriously as the landing spot for Tua,” Volin noted. The Tom Brady-less, suddenly-rebuilding New England Patriots. Wouldn’t it be just like Bill Belichick to swoop in and snag Tua away from the rest of the league? Wouldn’t getting Tua be the big, bold move the Patriots love, and wouldn’t it ease the sting of seeing Brady go?”
It’s definitely a possibility. New England is selecting No. 23 overall in the draft. It does not have a second-round pick, but boasts three third-round selections. Bill Belichick and Co. would have to get creative.
The positive news here is that New England has a potential trade partner in that of the Detroit Lions. They boast a general manager in Bob Quinn and head coach in Matt Patricia who made waves with the Patriots’ organization.
Detroit is also looking to move down from the No. 3 overall pick and has taken a liking to multiple Patriots veterans in free agency over the past couple years.
Could players be involved in a potential trade? While the Pats are adamant that they won’t move veteran receiver Julian Edelman, he has recently suggested a divorce could make sense. A top Defensive Player of the Year candidate last season, cornerback Stephon Gilmore would also appeal to Detroit. That’s magnified by the fact that the Lions had to trade disgruntled Pro Bowl corner Darius Slay back in March.
In any event, this might be something to watch with the 2020 NFL Draft set to get going in about three weeks.