The NFL offseason is transferring rapidly, and below new management, the Patriots might want to decide at quarterback quickly.
The NFL scouting mix is per week away, and in three weeks, the Patriots shall be allowed to talk to impending free brokers. The crew will need to have a plan on how they’ll strategy their largest want at quarterback and whether or not they plan so as to add that participant by way of free company, a commerce or the draft, earlier than the brand new NFL 12 months begins on March 13.
Let’s dive into some potential choices on this week’s mailbag.
@ZackFitzNFL
Are the Patriots round within the Justin Fields talks?
I’ve been advised to not rule out something at quarterback. If the Patriots would fairly take an offensive lineman, huge receiver or a participant at one other place at No. 3 total (or commerce down), then making a take care of the Bears for Justin Fields seemingly can be an possibility.
That being mentioned, Fields’ crew must determine on his fifth-year possibility this offseason. He’s confirmed he is usually a starter, however he’s within the decrease tier amongst NFL quarterbacks. The Patriots want somebody higher than that to compete now and sooner or later. It appears to make extra sense to swing for the fences and take Caleb Williams, Drake Maye or Jayden Daniels.
An buying crew would tackle $3.2 million by buying and selling for Fields, so he’s a cut price. He ranked twenty third amongst 32 quarterbacks with a -0.009 anticipated factors added (EPA) per play. He was twenty first in PFF grade, twenty third in PFF passing grade and twenty third in QBR.
Fields skilled his greatest season in 2023, however he’s been within the NFL for 3 seasons now. How rather more will or can he enhance?
If Fields is the choice, then the Patriots would want to determine between a large receiver like Marvin Harrison Jr. or an offensive deal with like Joe Alt at No. 3 total. They want each, however that’s not likely an possibility.
@Deeep_Blue
How lively are patriots going to be within the free agent market? Top targets?
They just about must be lively in free company. Not to get too into the nitty gritty, however the Patriots must spend 90% of the wage cap in money over the following three seasons. They’re solely set to spend $216.2 million in money over that span. The 2024 wage cap is projected to be $240 million. Even if the cap didn’t rise in 2025 and 2026 (it can), the Patriots are solely set to spend 30% of the cap in money from 2024 to 2026.
So, they should spend some huge cash over the following three offseasons, and so they want higher expertise.
I’d begin with attempting to deliver again security Kyle Dugger and offensive lineman Mike Onwenu. From there, I’d attempt to add a top-flight huge receiver.
@KleaverBlock
Watching the affect that having a 1-2 combo (Mahomes/Kelce) can have, what’s the QB/Receiver combo you’d like after the offseason?
Williams and free-agent huge receiver Tee Higgins.
But Williams appears destined to go within the high two picks, and there’s no assure that Higgins will make it to free company.
Maye and somebody like Mike Evans can be extra real looking and would nonetheless assist.
@DomDoesNFL
Do we see a Gilly Lock reunion this offseason?
That is dependent upon what Stephon Gilmore is on the lookout for this offseason. If he needs to win, then New England isn’t the perfect place to do it. If he needs to earn high greenback, then perhaps the Patriots can be vacation spot.
@PatsSTH1969
Thoughts on the New Pats ponying up market worth + Cash for Baker and taking the draft haul that may come after the Drake Maye and Jaylen Daniels Pro Days? If no Baker take 1 of the two?
It makes probably the most sense for Baker Mayfield to return to the Buccaneers.
@boston_fan73
Welcome again, Doug. There has been some discuss of the Pats buying and selling down & drafting an OT or WR. If they don’t draft a QB at 3.
What draft courses are deeper for QB, WR, and OL, this 12 months’s class, or subsequent 12 months’s?
Could this push them to take a QB at 3 no matter participant?
It’s too early to evaluate subsequent 12 months’s draft, however this 12 months’s class has three quarterbacks, three huge receivers and three offensive tackles listed within the high 15 of The Athletic’s draft prospects. It’s robust to do higher than that.
All three positions are fairly deep on this 12 months’s class, as properly.
@llsoxfans
No query, simply hoping you’re doing okay given the circumstances. Good to see you on the Twittersphere. My ideas stay with your loved ones. I respect you!
Thank you. Very a lot appreciated.
@GoldEP_
Non patriot query will you be watching the ufl
I’ll be monitoring it. Not certain how a lot I’ll truly be watching, nonetheless.
@RickLawsonEP
Do the o-linemen we at the moment have n the roster match the brand new offensive scheme? Based on the brand new scheme would you retain Onwenu?
The crew continues to be working by way of whether or not the teaching modifications alter what they search for in offensive linemen. I’d nonetheless preserve Onwenu. You can discover a match for him at guard or deal with.
@Curmudgeon_Mike
With Pats taking a look at 2-3 years earlier than being related ought to they commerce Judon? The “D” wasn’t horrible with out him. And they might use extra draft capital for the rebuild!
#MailDoug
I’ve talked about this earlier than, however one thing will have to be performed with Matthew Judon this offseason. The Patriots borrowed from his 2024 wage to provide him a elevate final offseason. So, they both want to provide him an actual elevate this offseason, an extension or transfer on from him.
Judon is a crew chief, and the Patriots have cash to spend. The best choice can be to attempt to make one thing work to maintain him.
Source: www.bostonherald.com