Could Mitchell Trubisky actually be a fit for the Patriots?

Could the Patriots actually be a destination for Mitchell Trubisky?

We really tried our best to speak it into existence, but at this point it would be delusional not to admit that the New England Patriots’ decision to sign Cam Newton late in the offseason hasn’t worked out for either party.

While it certainly isn’t all his fault, you’d be hard-pressed to admit that the Patriots’ offense currently ranking 28th in points per game (19.9) and 30th in passing yards per game (176.8) isn’t a huge indictment on his inconsistency in the pocket.

It would simply be best if both sides went their separate ways after the season, and assuming that’s made official sooner than later, the Patriots will be in the market for a quarterback. You might say that they should browse the trade market to bring in a proven veteran, but one polarizing youngster is starting to gain some steam as a potential bargain in free agency.

We’re talking about Mitchell Trubisky, who is undeniably playing the best football of his career down the stretch of the regular season. In light of his impeccable run, could he actually be a fit with the Patriots?

Let’s start by saying that we’d much rather the Patriots trade for Lions stud Matthew Stafford or someone of that echelon over signing Trubisky. At the same time, however, landing the former No. 3 overall pick on the cheap wouldn’t be a terrible consolation prize.

After getting benched early in the season, injuries have forced Trubisky back under center and he’s responded by propelling Chicago back into the NFC playoff picture, which didn’t seem possible amid their six-game losing streak. Over the last five games, he’s completing 69.6% of his passes for 248.6 yards per and 10 touchdowns compared to four interceptions.

Those numbers equate a 101.1 passer rating, which is one of the best marks in the league during that span. However, as impressive as this stretch has been for Trubisky, you simply never know when he’s going to revert back to his careless style of play. Look no further than this inexplicable jump ball into quintuple (!) coverage that unsurprisingly resulted in an interception last weekend.

https://twitter.com/PFF/status/1343277405645975560

The question remaining is whether Trubisky would serve as an upgrade to Newton. He’s nowhere near the same runner, but he certainly has the mobility to scramble out of a collapsing pocket. Not only that, but the fourth-year pro can actually push the ball downfield. He isn’t always accurate doing so, but the Patriots sorely missed that aspect to their passing game this season.

We’re not saying Trubisky is the answer, but assuming there are even fewer answers for the Patriots in free agency, on the trade market, and through the draft, Trubisky really doesn’t look like a bad option to help revive New England’s offense in 2021.

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