Patriots have an opportunity to have 2 first-round picks for 2024 NFL draft

Now that the 2023 NFL season is in the final stretch with just four games remaining, the draft is becoming even more of the primary focus for the Patriots. With a 3-10 record heading into Week 15, they currently hold the second overall pick next April, the highest selection they'll have in over 30 years.

If they don't win another game over the last four weeks, they'll stay at that coveted position with a prime opportunity to draft their next franchise quarterback.

But what if that wasn't their only top-10 pick in 2024?

With rumors swirling about Bill Belichick's time in New England coming to an end, trading the long-time head coach is not off the table. Because he's still under contract for at least one more season, Robert Kraft can take advantage of that and trade Belichick if he still wants to coach in the NFL.

That would be a win/win for both sides; he goes to a team he wants to work for, and the Patriots get high-value compensation to jump into a complete rebuild.

There has been a lot of speculation about what team may inquire about making that trade, especially given the presumed asking price. Although a team like the Titans has piqued fans' interest, the recent firing of Chargers head coach Brandon Staley and general manager Tom Telesco opens a new door that could benefit all parties.

The Chargers are not a bad team - they just need good coaching to turn things around

Staley's time in Los Angeles was clearly ticking, and the absolute demolition by the Raiders on Thursday Night Football was the final straw. Prior to his firing, the Chargers had been a discussed team for the Patriots to talk a Belichick trade with, but now that's a much easier conversation that the hard part is already done with.

If Belichick still wants to coach and even hopes to continue being a general manager, the Chargers opportunity may be too difficult to pass up.

They seem to have their quarterback in Justin Herbert already; they have a stout running back in Austin Ekeler (who will need to be re-signed this offseason), great receivers like Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, and an intimidating defense led by Joey Bosa, Derwin James Jr., and Khalil Mack.

It looks like a much more ideal situation to walk into than whatever coach takes over for Belichick next season.

And how could the Patriots make it happen? They could trade their tenured head coach for the Chargers' first-round pick, which happens to be fifth overall as it currently stands. That would give New England two top-five selections during a pivotal time in their franchise's history. It could allow them to draft their next (hopefully) franchise quarterback and a top receiver or offensive lineman.

On the surface, it may not seem like a good deal for the Chargers. But their biggest need this offseason is finding a new head coach. It has been a consistent issue for them over the years, and with their roster's talent, they can't afford to waste much more time trying to figure it out.

Trading for Belichick would give them a trusted, well-respected, and proven coach who wouldn't walk into a complete rebuild. Even if he would only be there for a few seasons, getting the team back on track and competing like a real football team again could be worth it.

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