Patriots: Ranking the likelihood of NE landing these QBs for 2021 season
By Jerry Trotta
![NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - OCTOBER 18: Quarterback Deshaun Watson #4 of the Houston Texans plays against Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on October 18, 2020 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images) NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - OCTOBER 18: Quarterback Deshaun Watson #4 of the Houston Texans plays against Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on October 18, 2020 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/c61db81ee750e5c3f4156b96a7dd08ea2ad2b8af96765817e30e7b04ed722684.jpg)
2. Matthew Stafford
The Patriots have been linked as a trade destination Matthew Stafford.
It’s admittedly frustrating not knowing what age group fancies the Patriots at the quarterback position. If they want a superstar just entering his prime, then Watson is the obvious answer. If they want to begin developing a young stud with the hope that he could one day be a franchise guy, then drafting somebody like Wilson or Fields would be the way to go.
However, if the Patriots would prefer deploying a veteran who could potentially orchestrate a deep playoff run after roster upgrades are made, then trading for Matthew Stafford should be a no-brainer. After spending the first 12 years of his career in Detroit, the 32-year-old (he’ll turn 33 next month) deserves to play for a competent franchise.
Because of his age, Stafford (unlike Watson) will come at a reasonable price. If we’re talking about a first-rounder, two seconds and a third, the Patriots shouldn’t think twice about pulling the trigger. We can definitely picture a scenario that sees him land in NE, but the uncertainty in terms of whether the Lions make him available made it impossible for us to put him No.1.