We know this for certain, straight from his own mouth: Tom Brady will not be the quarterback for the New England Patriots in 2020.
On Tuesday morning, the legendary QB who went from 199th pick overall in the 2000 draft to multi-Super Bowl winner with Bill Belichick announced he would be moving on.
The big question is where he’ll land next. It could be in Los Angeles with the Chargers or in Tampa Bay with the Bucs.
But for the Pats, who have had Brady for 285 games in two decades, it’s the first time they’ll have to make a choice as to what to do next at the position. Let’s rank their choices as of Tuesday morning.
1. Cam Newton
Our Nate Scott called for this back in January. But seriously: if the Panthers are looking to trade the oft-injured but super talented quarterback, now’s the time for Belichick to grab him, and you know the coach would find exactly the right way to use him.
2. Jameis Winston
I know. The interceptions. The fumbles. It’s maddening. But what if Belichick can cure what ails him? What if the Lasik helps? What if a change in address makes him focus? Worth the risk.
3. Teddy Bridgewater
He was pretty good filling in for an injured Drew Brees last season. Plus, he’s young (27) and has a skill set that might fit the Patriots’ roster as of right now.
4. Andy Dalton
The underrated option. Dalton has been consistent, and although that doesn’t necessarily mean he’s great, I wonder if getting out of Cincy will mean some improvement. He’s sort of the known quantity here — an above average option that might be less risky than the others on this list.
5. Philip Rivers
It seems like the Colts could be his landing spot, but maybe this news changes everything. But man, Rivers didn’t look the same last season — perhaps age caught up. Still, he could be good enough to win games.
6. Derek Carr
Maybe Jon Gruden has soured on him and wants Marcus Mariota to start?
7. Nick Foles
We’ve reached the “who’s available right now?” tier. But hey, he won a Super Bowl AGAINST THE PATS!
8. Taysom Hill
We’ve reached the “hey, maybe he’s available?” tier.
9. Jarrett Stidham
Look, I’ll be completely honest. I typed in “Jared” before looking it up and seeing it was “Jarrett.” So, um, that tells you something. The fourth-round pick in the 2019 draft is currently the top QB on the roster. The only reason I’m putting the former Auburn quarterback here is … maybe Belichick saw something in him that other teams didn’t, just like that Brady guy.
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