3 quarterbacks Patriots should target (and 2 they should avoid) in 2024

Avoid: Bailey Zappe

The last thing Patriots fans want to see is the organization decide to stick with a young kid who "still has potential" in Bailey Zappe. Sure, we know Mac Jones isn't the answer at this point. And, Zappe has had some bright moments in his limited playing time. If New England is of the mindset that they'll give Zappe one more year, and a full season as the team's starter, then they are out of their mind.

But, it very well could happen. Look at what the Chicago Bears did a year ago. They had the rights to the number one overall pick and traded it, sticking with a young guy in Justin Fields. Now, Fields was a first-round talent and had shown a lot more promise than Zappe has at this point. But, the opportunity to get a haul for the no. 2 overall pick in the draft is also tempting, especially for a new head coach taking over for Belichick.

Next year might be looked at as a rebuilding year, using all the draft capital on other positions of need while allowing Zappe to be the stopgap.

It isn't a pretty thought, and the Patriots should absolutely not choose to use 2024 as a building year. Instead, go get your franchise quarterback however you can and move forward.