Potential Quarterback Options the Patriots Should Explore in the Upcoming Offseason
After a disappointing 2023 season, the New England Patriots parted company with iconic head coach Bill Belichick earlier this month, ushering in a new chapter in the team’s history.
The Patriots’ first priority in the summer should be to add a new quarterback, given the dismal results of the Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe experiments.
These four quarterback prospects are possible draft picks, signings, or trade targets for New England this offseason, as the team has multiple options when it comes to selecting a quarterback.
Jayden Daniels, LSU Tigers
The most straightforward method for the Patriots to enhance their quarterback position is through the 2024 NFL Draft, where they currently possess the third overall pick—a strategy that seems to be under consideration. In a recent interview with WBZ-TV’s Steve Burton, Head Coach Jerod Mayo indicated that New England is committed to selecting the best player for a crucial position.
However, the uncertainty lies in whether the Patriots will have the opportunity to choose between two of the top three quarterback prospects, as the Chicago Bears and Washington Commanders may address the position with the first and second picks, respectively. If the Chicago Bears trade quarterback Justin Fields and retain the No. 1 overall pick to secure his successor, it is likely that Jayden Daniels will emerge as the top available quarterback for the New England Patriots.
After his breakthrough 2023 Heisman Trophy-winning season, Daniels is arguably the most divisive talent in the draft. Given his explosive rushing skills, New England would be lucky to take him. Daniels amassed the second-most touchdowns in college football history with 4,946 yards of total offense (3,812 passing, 1,134 rushing) in 12 games this season.
Fields, Justin, and the Chicago Bears
In the event that Chicago selects USC quarterback Caleb Williams with the first overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, New England ought to put forth maximum effort to acquire Fields. The 24-year-old will probably only cost a couple mid-round picks to acquire, but if the Patriots are successful in selecting him, they might end up being the draft’s greatest winners.
Assuming the Bears and Commanders make their selections for franchise quarterbacks, the New England Patriots could potentially acquire Justin Fields and pair him with Ohio State’s Marvin Harrison Jr., who is arguably the top player in the draft and could serve as a No. 1 receiver. Despite Fields being a work in progress, he demonstrated improvement as a passer this season, with a career-high average of 197.1 passing yards per game, along with 16 touchdowns and nine interceptions.
The addition of wide receiver D.J. Moore played a significant role in Fields’ progress, and having the opportunity to throw to a potentially more talented receiver like Harrison could further elevate his performance.
J.J. McCarthy, Michigan Wolverines
While it’s almost certain that McCarthy’s NFL trajectory won’t mirror that of New England’s previous Michigan quarterback, he remains a promising prospect for development. Despite boasting a remarkable 27-1 career record as a starter and contributing to the Wolverines’ national championship victory, McCarthy may find himself slipping out of the first round in the draft.
McCarthy’s statistics might not stand out due to Michigan’s emphasis on a run-first approach, but he demonstrated efficiency by throwing for 2,991 yards, 22 touchdowns, and four interceptions, earning an 88.2 QBR—ranking as the third-best in the nation. If the New England Patriots choose not to select a quarterback in the first round, a serious consideration should be given to McCarthy, especially if he remains available when the team is on the clock in the second round (No. 34 overall). This approach would still allow the Patriots to sign a veteran quarterback, providing ample flexibility in their draft strategy.
Russell Wilson, Denver Broncos
Opting for a bridge quarterback strategy, the New England Patriots might find Russell Wilson a suitable candidate, especially with expectations of his release by the Denver Broncos this offseason. Despite Wilson’s challenging tenure with the Broncos, he showed improvement under Head Coach Sean Payton, justifying consideration. Wilson amassed 3,070 passing yards, 26 touchdowns, and eight interceptions, maintaining a 66.4% completion rate in 15 games before being replaced by Jarrett Stidham.
The performance Wilson delivered did not justify the five-year, $245 million contract extension he signed in 2022. However, the New England Patriots could potentially secure his services on a cost-effective, short-term deal if they express interest. Such a move would involve minimal risk, particularly when considering that the top quarterback hitting the market is Kirk Cousins, who is returning from a torn Achilles.
Additionally, the Patriots currently face challenges with a lackluster receiving corps and offensive line. Bringing in someone like Wilson, coupled with ongoing improvements to the supporting cast, could create a more favorable environment for the eventual long-term starter, enhancing the prospects for success.
