With NFL free agency just over a week away, we are going to take a look at teams with QB questions and see who the best player fits for these teams are.
NFL free agency is going to get into full gear on March 16th, when teams are able to undergo negotiations with players and agents who are hitting the market. This is an interesting year for free agency particularly at the QB position, with many different options ranging from greatest of all time to a guy who can play QB, TE, special teams, and more.
The draft is also well rounded at the QB position. If you swing and miss in free agency, there will be plenty of options come April. Guys like Jordan Love and Jake Fromm could be mid to late first round options for the teams who aren’t in position to get Tua or Burrow.
We are going to take a look at many different teams in the league who have to address the QB position one way or another in the draft or free agency. This is going to be a list of best fits, not necessarily best quarterbacks available. There will be times where a lesser QB fits with a team better than a veteran due to age, potential, and other factors.
The New England Patriots are coming off a season where their defense played at a historic level. The offense on the other hand left much to be desired. The biggest story of the offseason thus far has been Tom Brady’s impending free agency. It has been 21 years since the Patriots have had a season without Tom Brady on the roster, and if he decides to leave this year the Patriots have to be prepared for life without the face of their franchise.
So let’s get into the guys who I believe are the best options for the Patriots going into the 2020 season.
Plan A: Re-Sign Tom Brady
Shocking I know. At the end of the day, the Patriots are still a championship contender and Tom Brady will give them the best chance to be back in the Super Bowl. They will return many players from a defense that was the best in the league last season. With Brady back at the helm, the stability of the dynasty remains in tact.
It does seem a bit unpredictable, as Brady has given no indications that he is staying or leaving. But you have to expect the Patriots are going to go all in for the best player in their franchise’s history. This may also mean bringing back an old friend.
Plan B: Trade for Matthew Stafford
I can concede this is an unlikely scenario, just ask Lions GM Bob Quinn.
However, the Patriots should absolutely still pick up the phone and give their best shot at Stafford. If Brady decides to play elsewhere, the Patriots should still be looking for veteran QB’s who give them a chance to make a deep playoff run. Stafford immediately brings an impact to this team, and gets complemented by a great defense and a solid offensive line.
Matthew Stafford, when healthy is one of the best playmakers in the league. Stafford had 19 TD’s in just 8 games, and the Lions did not win a game once he got hurt. Which shows you why the Lions are so reluctant to give up on a premier player so easily. But with the 3rd pick and a real shot at Tua Tagovailoa, this is the year to make the Lions an offer they can’t refuse regarding their franchise QB.
Also, this is one of the few years where the Pats have a low 20’s first round pick. If Brady goes you can part with that pick plus future picks in an effort to bait the Lions into trading their guy. Stafford for a 2020 1st, 2021 1st, and a 2020 3rd. Do the Lions say no?
Plan C: Sign Phillip Rivers and give Jarrett Stidham a chance to compete
This NFL Free Agency period has another QB approaching the end of his career, that is still looking to make an impact. Phillip Rivers and the Chargers agreed to move on to different paths going forward, and the 16 year veteran is now looking for a new home.
Rivers has been linked to the Colts recently, but the Patriots should definitely take a run at him if Brady leaves and they can’t acquire Stafford. He has thrown for at least 4500 yards in 3 of his last 5 seasons, and will bring good energy to the offense. Rivers would also provide veteran leadership on a team that will be losing a great leader in Brady.
This signing will also be short term as Rivers has come out and said he doesn’t envision playing much longer. Rivers also had a rough 2019 in the turnovers category, so he does not come without questions. The Pats do have Jarrett Stidham on the roster and he could get a shot if Rivers doesn’t pan out in this scenario.
What do you think the Patriots should do at the QB position? Let us know what you think @thennowsports on Twitter and @thennowsports_ on Instagram.
