The New England Patriots are showing interest in pending free agent quarterback Marcus Mariota, according to Pro Football Network’s Tony Pauline.
In preparation for the potential departure of quarterback Tom Brady, New England seems to be exploring other options ahead of free agency. Technically, the Patriots cannot talk terms for a contract, but with the 2020 NFL combine taking place in Indianapolis this week, teams and agents meet to talk about the upcoming market, even if they aren’t technically allowed under the NFL’s tampering rules.
Here’s what Pauline wrote on the topic:
“Keep this in the back of your mind – with all the uncertainty surrounding Tom Brady, the New England Patriots are showing interest in soon to be free agent quarterback Marcus Mariota. The former first-round pick is being courted by several teams who may have an open competition at quarterback. I’m told the Indianapolis Colts have also shown interest in Mariota – just in case.”
This report follows pessimistic news surrounding Brady’s prospects of re-signing with the Patriots. Brady had not spoken with the Patriots about a contract extension as of Thursday, according to the Boston Herald. Brady is expecting to hit free agency and land with another team, according to ESPN’s Jeff Darlington.
Mariota seems like a rational target for the thrifty and resourceful Patriots. He was never turnover prone, but he may have been conservative to a fault during his stint as a starter in Tennessee after getting drafted No. 2 overall in 2015. In 2019, Mariota lost the job to Ryan Tannehill, who he led the Titans to an AFC championship game appearance. Perhaps New England likes Mariota’s potential as a buy-low candidate with upside.
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