INDIANAPOLIS — The Patriots are nonetheless almost definitely to search out their subsequent quarterback with the No. 3 total choose within the 2024 NFL Draft, however there are different methods to search out their future starter, and the highest impending free brokers are two intriguing candidates in Baker Mayfield and Kirk Cousins.
Mayfield has supporters from throughout the Patriots’ group, per sources, however there are some impediments to signing him. It’s not a shock that Mayfield is appreciated by members of the employees. He was drafted by a entrance workplace that included present Patriots de facto normal supervisor Eliot Wolf and coached by offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt and quarterbacks coach T.C. McCartney with the Browns. Patriots senior personnel advisor Pat Stewart and senior offensive assistant Ben McAdoo frolicked with Mayfield with the Panthers, as effectively.
The Patriots haven’t but proven curiosity in Cousins, per sources. The Vikings free agent is coming off of a torn Achilles and is more likely to signal for much more cash than Mayfield.
Mayfield had a breakout marketing campaign with the Buccaneers final season and nonetheless appears almost definitely to return to Tampa. Cost may be an element for Mayfield with a rising wage cap that’s netting veteran quarterbacks salaries within the $40 million vary.
The Patriots held formal interviews with all three prime QB prospects, USC’s Caleb Williams, UNC’s Drake Maye and LSU’s Jayden Daniels, in addition to Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy and Oregon’s Bo Nix, this week on the NFL Scouting Combine.
Mayfield earned a Pro Bowl nod, finishing 64.3% of his passes for 4,044 yards with 28 touchdowns and 10 interceptions whereas bringing the Buccaneers to the playoffs in 2023. Mayfield and the Bucs beat the Eagles within the wild-card spherical of the postseason earlier than dropping to the Lions within the divisional spherical. Mayfield discovered success with extensive receiver Mike Evans, one other free agent that will curiosity members of the Patriots’ employees.
Mayfield was coming off a making an attempt season with the Panthers and Rams. His greatest NFL season got here in 2020 underneath Van Pelt with McCartney and present Patriots offensive line coach Scott Peters additionally serving on that employees.
Cousins was 4-4 as a starter final season whereas coming off of a playoff marketing campaign in 2022 earlier than injuring his Achilles. He accomplished 69.5% of his passes for two,331 yards with 18 touchdowns and 5 interceptions.
Source: www.bostonherald.com