Is this season over, yet?
The New England Patriots of 2023 are getting difficult to watch. There isn't a whole lot to get excited about going into the tail end of this year and thinking about next season, and fans are justifiably frustrated.
In a season that could be Bill Belichick's last as head coach, and going into an offseason of uncertainty at quarterback, there is a lot to unpack in the coming months.
Speaking of the quarterback position, the Patriots have to figure that out, and fast. Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe don't look a bit like the future at the position. With that said, there should be three specific targets for New England come the offseason -- and a couple of guys to avoid.
Target: Caleb Williams, 2024 NFL Draft
Here's the deal. The Patriots currently sit at the no. 2 spot in the draft, and if they end in the top three, then they have to make a move for the no. 1 selection and take USC's Caleb Williams. It's that simple. Drake Maye would also be a viable option, but let's do things big and do them the right way, here, shall we?
Williams is still far and away the best quarterback in this draft. Despite having somewhat of a down season (and, for the record, Maye has also had a down year) Williams has still shown everything you want in an NFL starter on the field. His uncanny ability to extend plays and make something out of nothing is reminiscent of a Patrick Mahomes type.
He's proven he can make big time throws. He's proven he can throw with anticipation. He's proven to have elite escapability and being able to throw on the run. Williams is as close as you can get to a sure thing in this draft, and the Patriots would be all the wiser to go all-in on him.
Target: Kirk Cousins, 2024 NFL Free Agency
The only free agent option worth pursuing next year, at the quarterback position, is current Minnesota Vikings veteran Kirk Cousins. Earlier in the season, Cousins suffered a torn Achilles. Assuming he'll be ready for next season, he's the best option there is in free agency.
Now, going after a guy like Cousins would also mean that the Patriots think they can contend. That means, they've found upgrades along the offensive line as well as a tried-and-true, no. 1 option at the wide receiver position. It also means they feel good about the defense being a contending unit.
There is no chance Cousins comes to New England if the team hasn't improved and doesn't have a plan in the draft. Let's say New England lures him in with the thought that they'll trade the no. 2 pick in the draft for a haul, go after a legitimate WR1 in the draft while using the rest of the capital to fill in other positions of need.
If he's sold on something like that, then maybe he'll opt to sign with the Patriots. But, at this point in his career, he'll be 36 when next season starts and Cousins is going to want to play for a contender.
Target: Drake Maye, 2024 NFL Draft
If the Patriots don't end up trading to acquire Caleb Williams, then again, the next-best option would be going after North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye. Maye is a tall, big, prototypical quarterback at 6-foot-4 and sporting a mobile frame. What he has in addition to being a great passer is the ability to use his legs.
This season, Maye carried the ball for 449 yards and nine touchdowns. Last year, he ran for 698 yards and seven touchdowns. He is a legitimate dual-threat quarterback who can also sling it from the pocket.
When you watch Maye on tape, one thing is abundantly evident, and that's his effortless release. The way he throws the football looks natural, and he has quite the arm. Maye lets it rip down field, but he doesn't look as though he's straining when he does it. It's one of those refreshingly-easy looking releases; a real thing of beauty.
While Williams has pulled a Houdini on many occasions, Maye also has the ability to sense pressure and evade it well. Because of all these traits, there are even some evaluators that like him more so than Williams.
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.
Avoid: Baker Mayfield, 2024 NFL Free Agency
Speaking of a stopgap, the Patriots could also choose the route of a veteran free agent journeyman like Baker Mayfield. He might not be the long-term answer, but he's a fine starter for an interim period of time before the team lands their franchise passer.
Again, because fans don't deserve a building year, this isn't the route to go. That's not to say Mayfield is a bad quarterback. He's actually played very well this year, and the Bucs may very well keep him aboard. After all, he's coming off the game of his life this last week against Green Bay, which saw him throw for 381 yards and four touchdowns.
If he's let go, though, then he'd be let go for a reason and maybe that reason is that he's simply a good, journeyman quarterback, but not good enough. The Patriots have to figure out the future of the position after failing with Mac Jones, and Mayfield doesn't scream "franchise quarterback."