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.
Patriots rebuilding blueprint: Finding a new QB is just the start https://t.co/TQKrtcVEXr
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) December 31, 2020
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.
2. Matt Ryan
The Falcons could trade Matt Ryan if they draft a QB at No. 4 overall.
Whether they want to admit it or not, the Falcons desperately need to hit the reset button at quarterback this offseason. Their impending head coaching hire will likely play a role in that decision, but logic would say to draft a QB at No. 4 overall and trade longtime starter Matt Ryan for future draft compensation.
It remains to be seen what Atlanta could get for Ryan, but you have to think it’ll be something of value given his resume and the fact that he’s still a borderline top 12 player at the position. Before you dismiss that as hyperbole, the 35-year-old vet ranked first in both completions (407) and first downs (242), fourth in passing yards (4,581) and 12th in touchdowns (26) this season.
The last time we checked, the Patriots could do A LOT worse compared to what Newton looked like under center this season. For the sake of time, we’re not going to dive into his numbers, but just know he finished near the bottom in nearly every major statistical category.
Ryan hasn’t been mentioned as a potential target for the Patriots and that likely boils down to the fact that it’s unclear whether Atlanta intends on moving on from him. However, we would totally be on board with acquiring him. What he lacks in mobility he more than makes up for in precision and ingenuity, and those aforementioned numbers could balloon behind a stout offensive line (he was sacked the fifth-most of any quarterback in 2020).
If the Patriots make improvements to their wide receiving corps and tight end position, Ryan not only could flourish in their system, but he could help them sneak into the playoffs in what has proven to be a loaded AFC.
1. Carson Wentz
Carson Wentz could become available via trade in the offseason.
Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz’s fall from grace was one of the most noteworthy storylines of the season, and we’re honestly still trying to wrap our minds around it given how well he performed over the first four years of his career, which included two playoff berths and a near-MVP campaign in 2017.
His disastrous showing in 2020 — he ranked 34th among qualified quarterbacks in both completion percentage (57.4%) and passer rating (72.8), and 33rd in yards per attempt (6.0) — forced Philadelphia’s hand in benching him, and that decision has reportedly fractured his relationship with head coach Doug Pederson beyond repair.
This seemingly unfixable relationship has insiders convinced that the Eagles will move off of Wentz in the offseason, and you can bet that he will have a handful of suitors lined up, assuming Philly agrees to eat some of his bloated contract, which is set to kick in next season.
It’s duly noted that the former Pro Bowler looked broken as can be this year, but his age (28), inarguable upside and aforementioned track record make him an appealing target for teams who already have the necessary pieces — like front office stability and a competent offensive line, among others — in place.
The Patriots clearly fill that bill and their touted coaching staff could be just what the doctor ordered in terms of fixing him. Look no further than what Buffalo did with Josh Allen in one offseason, transforming him from an inaccurate risk-taker into a legitimate MVP candidate.
If Philadelphia makes a reasonable asking price, we would definitely sign off on the Patriots making a move for Wentz, who would clearly benefit from a change of scenery and is motivated to prove the Eagles wrong for giving up on him.
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