4 moves the Patriots must make to reach next year's Super Bowl

3. Conclusively decide the priority of the 2024 season now

The general assumption heading into this offseason was that the Patriots would undergo a significant roster change, starting with the quarterback. Because they hold the third overall pick in this year's draft, most analysts and fans believe it's quarterback or bust because how could you pass on the most important position on a football team with such a high selection?

But what if that isn't the direction they choose to go?

There have been some debates in recent weeks about what would be the best way for Jerod Mayo to go in; should they prioritize getting a quarterback with the No. 3 pick, putting all the marbles in on a rookie to revitalize their stale offense?

Or would choosing a veteran quarterback, Mac Jones, or one of the pending free agents, be the best route to take and focus on building up the rest of the offense for a quarterback in next year's draft?

The best path depends on who you ask, and it will likely remain that way, no matter what route the Patriots take. But they'll have to decide quickly, with free agency just around the corner and not a lot of time between that and this year's draft.

The decision will dictate how they approach both and also prove what type of season they're preparing to have in 2024, which may not go over well with some fans, depending on their choice.