At this point, it’s difficult to believe Cam Newton and the New England Patriots will pair together for the 2021 season.
Bill Belichick has the No. 15 overall pick in the draft and it’s unlikely he chooses one of the available quarterbacks, despite the great selection at hand. Belichick, 68, isn’t in a situation where a slow rebuild is ideal, so choosing a veteran that can maintain the offense behind an elite defense will be essential.
Not many veteran free agents fit that mold. Tom Brady’s departure clearly was more detrimental than many expected and there’s few available quarterbacks who can even replicate half of the 43-year-old’s abilities. But, Matthew Stafford is an intriguing option that will be available if the Patriots choose to pursue him.
The 12-year veteran is parting ways with the Detroit Lions this offseason, but he still has $20 million due in 2021 and $23 million in 2022. It’s a hefty tab to pick up for a 32-year-old quarterback with only three playoff games under his belt.
Regardless, former Patriots executive Michael Lombardi showed some belief in the idea that New England could land him via trade.
As for the other NFC North quarterback making waves, Stafford will have many suitors. The Colts and the Patriots are the front-runners as they’re the two teams that have the cap room to handle Stafford right away. Stafford has a $20 million cap charge that cannot be reworked until he is on his new team. The team that trades for him must have the room to take on his deal, then they can lower his cap charge. Many teams can handle his cash and salary; few can handle that initial charge, which is why the Colts and Patriots are in front.
There isn’t any real reports on the Patriots closing in on Stafford through trade, but the addition of Matt Patricia will likely play a factor — for good or bad. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Detroit is expecting at least a first-round pick, which the Patriots would be capable of they saw the value of attaining Stafford.
New England’s quarterback search is still completely in the air, but so is the rest of the roster — Belichick has his work cut out for him.
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