This offseason is shaping up to be another offseason of changes for the Patriots with 25 pending free agents. Most notably Cam Newton, the Patriots 2021 starting Quarterback is a free agent. The third string quarterback Brian Hoyer is also going to become a free agent, which leaves backup Jarrett Stidham as the only Quarterback that is not a free agent this offseason. With so many question marks, here are Quarterback fits for the Patriots in 2021.
1. Re-Signing Cam Newton
Cam Newton who was the Patriots starter this past year has overall performed below expectations. With that being said Cam showed a lot of flashes throughout the season most notably In the games against the Miami Dolphins, Seattle Seahawks, New York Jets, Baltimore Ravens, and the Los Angeles Chargers. Re signing Cam would also mean that he would get more time to learn the system in the offseason which could also help Cam improve on his play. Since there are some big-name free agents this year such as Allen Robinson or Hunter Henry, there is a strong possibility the Patriots can get some more offensive talent, which could also help Cam improve his play.
2. Jacoby Brissett
Jacoby Brissett is the current backup quarterback on the Indianapolis Colts who will be a free agent this offseason. Brissett was drafted by the Patriots in 2016 and started two games in which he went 1-1, and in one of the games he had to play through injury during the Brady suspension. Jacoby would be a pretty good fit for a transition quarterback because he knows the system. Jacoby wouldn’t be a long term fix but he would be a good person to have while the patriots find their quarterback of the future, if the 2020 draft is not the right place for the future of the QB spot.
3. Tyrod Taylor
Tyrod Taylor is another interesting option that the Patriots could explore in 2021. Taylor will be a free agent this offseason after backing up rookie sensation Justin Herbert on the Los Angeles Chargers. Tyrod Taylor has a lot of experience in the NFL with the Baltimore Ravens, Buffalo Bills, Cleveland Browns and the Los Angeles Chargers. He would probably end up being a transition quarterback if he were to sign with us since he is on the older side. He also brings similar running skills to Cam Newton, although Tyrod is much shorter.
4. Jameis Winston
Jameis Winston is set to become a free agent this offseason after backing up Brees and Hill in New Orleans. In 2019 Jameis led the league in passing yards, although he did also lead the league in interceptions that year as well. Winston also has had a few issues off the field which also might be another reason for the Patriots to steer clear. He definitely would be an intriguing person for the Patriots because of all the promise he has shown throughout his career. He could possibly be a fix for the Patriots if given the right coaching and given more talent on offense. Winston could be a possible fix for the patriots.
5. Dak Prescott
Dak Prescott is a somewhat unlikely option, although I think it is the best option for the patriots for a long term fix. Prescott has been a big name in the NFL since the 2016 season when he came out of nowhere and led the Cowboys to the playoffs in his rookie year. Prescott has always been a very consistent quarterback and a very accurate passer. This year Dak unfortunately suffered a serious season ending injury after a year where the Cowboys franchise-tagged him after talks of contracts lead nowhere. Because of all that has happened to him in Dallas, Dak may be looking for a new start and New England would be a great place for that.
Conclusion
Going into 2021 the Patriots have a lot of good options to choose from to fill the Quarterback void. To touch on one final point, the Patriots can still draft the QB of the future in the draft. Free agency is definitely more of an option than people are thinking of it being,