With NFL free agency about a month away, it’s time to start looking at some suitors for the Patriots roster.
One position that will undoubtedly be looked at is the quarterback position. With no plan in place for when Tom Brady retires, New England may look amongst the ranks of experienced players in the league instead of drafting one and developing him.
Let’s take a look at five quarterbacks the Patriots should target in free agency.
1. Teddy Bridgewater
After suffering a grotesque knee injury back in 2016 that nearly ended his NFL career, Teddy Bridgewater is still trying to prove to teams he is the first round talent the Vikings once drafted in 2014.
The Saints traded for Bridgewater last preseason, but it looks like they will let him walk this offseason as he will be a hot commodity for teams that want a veteran quarterback that still merits lots of potential.
From a price tag perspective, it wouldn’t be the best choice for the Patriots. But at 26 years old Bridgewater could sit behind Brady, learn New England’s system and still have many playing years left in him when/if he is given the task of being the starting quarterback.
2. Nick Foles
Though Bridgewater may be a likely candidate for many NFL teams this offseason, Nick Foles will draw the most media buzz because of all that he has accomplished despite being the second-string quarterback for the Eagles.
Foles hasn’t found much success outside of Philadelphia. In the two years he spent elsewhere in the NFL, Foles threw 10 touchdowns, 10 interceptions while also accumulating a 5-7 record as a starter over those time span.
But if you put him in the right system, he can thrive.
30 years old may seem a bit old to be the successor to Brady. But the way QB’s are protected in today’s NFL someone like Foles could play another decade in the league. He could be the ideal pocket passer in the Patriots’ offensive system, but his salary is what may prohibit this type of marriage.
3. Trevor Siemian
John Elway hasn’t exactly proven to draft quarterbacks and develop them properly, though that doesn’t take away from his ability to spot potential. Trevor Siemian is an example of this case.
Siemian has flashed on occasion during his time in Denver but was quickly benched for other options. After spending some time in Minnesota, the seventh-round draft pick has a chance to change sceneries and have a fresh start. Who better to succeed Brady than another late round draft pick?
New England could get him very cheap, and a cinderella story could develop once more within the Patriots organization.
4. Tyrod Taylor
The Patriots have seen first hand that when Tyrod Taylor is surrounded by talent, he can be a great game manager. This was most notably seen over his three-year tenure with Buffalo when he threw 51 touchdowns and 16 interceptions while completing 62 percent of his passes. If Taylor were to play in New England, he could be a perfect fit for their system.
Taylor could thrive with the Patriots behind a strong run game and a dink-and-dunk passing game. His mobility would add another wrinkle that the Patriots’ offensive scheme hasn’t seen in a long time.
Taylor’s poor performance at the beginning of last season in Cleveland could make him a cheap buy this offseason. Don’t be surprised if New England engages in contract discussions with him.
5. Colin Kaepernick
It’s not the most popular pick, but Colin Kaepernick is one of the best options available. From a talent perspective, he makes sense for the Patriots. And since we have heard from his own agent and from Cris Carter that a Kaepernick and Patriots marriage could be a possibility, he has to be mentioned on this list.
Kaepernick’s strong arm and athleticism could be the centerpiece for the Josh McDaniels era. Or it could lead to nothing. It’s nevertheless something to look out for this offseason.
