Bill Belichick’s plan at quarterback remains a mystery.
The New England Patriots coach watched Tom Brady depart in free agency, much like Belichick has done with so many other aging veterans. He let someone else — in this case, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers — give Brady an enormous contract. Time will tell whether that decision proves wise.
The strangest thing about Belichick’s decision, however, was that he doesn’t seem to have a contingency plan. At least, nothing has materialized — yet. The Patriots coach has acquired just one player since the open of the tampering period: receiver Damiere Byrd. Beyond that, the Patriots have actually lost six starters to free agency or trades.
So here are the breadcrumbs we’re following about the Patriots’ next quarterback.