Patriots: 3 unexpected veteran QBs Pats could target for 2021

Here are three surprising veteran QBs the Patriots could target in the offseason.

The New England Patriots finally put a bow on their underwhelming 2020 campaign this past weekend, finishing with their worst record (7-9) in over two decades while failing to qualify for the playoffs and surrendering their AFC East crown in humbling fashion.

Because of all those shortcomings, it isn’t outlandish to say that the Patriots enter the offseason with more question marks than when the season started four months ago. From upgrading at the wide receiver and tight end positions to bolstering the defensive line, there is no shortage of objectives for the front office to tackle.

However, we would all agree that finding a new quarterback should be at the top of their laundry list of priorities. According to reports, the Patriots and Cam Newton have mutually agreed to go their separate ways, though conflicting rumors suggest the door on a potential return isn’t completely shut.

Whatever the case, the Patriots will undoubtedly be looking at alternative options before they even entertain the thought of re-signing Newton to another one-year contract. The most consistent names we’ve seen linked with the vacancy are Matthew Stafford and Jimmy Garoppolo, both of whom would have to be acquired via trade since they are under contract through 2021.

Since nothing is ever a given in the NFL, let’s attempt to highlight three unexpected options the Patriots can target, whether it be via free agency or the trade market.

3. Ryan Fitzpatrick

Dolphins QB Ryan Fitzpatrick’s contract is set to expire.

Before you shake your head in disgust and keep scrolling to No. 2 on this list, hear us out for a second: Ryan Fitzpatrick was more than a serviceable quarterback for Miami over his two seasons with the franchise and if you think otherwise, you simply haven’t watched him perform.

During that span (24 games, 20 starts), Fitzpatrick completed 64.2% of his passes for 5,620 yards and 33 touchdowns compared to 21 interceptions. Those numbers are obviously nothing to write home about, but he did put an emphasis on taking better care of the football compared to earlier in his career. The former seventh-round pick is also more than capable of throwing the ball downfield, averaging an elite 8.1 yards per attempt over the last three seasons to suggest that he’s actually getting better with age.

Patriots fans were up in arms about Newton’s refusal to take deep shots this year and Fitzpatrick would serve as a significant upgrade in that regard — not to mention that he’s familiar with the division, having spent time with all three of the Dolphins, Jets and Bills throughout his career.

We all know how much GM Bill Belichick loves to pinch pennies on the open market and the 38-year-old quarterback will likely be available to sign on the cheap assuming he doesn’t return to the Dolphins on a short-term deal. Taking all of this into account, we wouldn’t be quick to rule out Fitzpatrick finding a new home in Foxborough this offseason.