When the Patriots enter free agency next month, they need a clear plan when it comes to fixing their quarterback depth chart.
They have Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe under contract. Nathan Rourke is an exclusive rights free agent. It would be a shock if the new Patriots brass decided to keep this depth chart the same. A big downfall last year, other than the poor pass blocking and lack of top-end receivers, was the Patriots didn’t have a veteran backup quarterback.
Even if Eliot Wolf and Jerod Mayo decide to draft a new quarterback in April, this team desperately needs a veteran at the position.
When it comes to Jones and Zappe, it’s very possible that either one turns into a capable backup. Jones, 25, has thrown for 8,918 yards to go with 46 touchdowns and 36 interceptions over the past three seasons. He never developed beyond his outstanding rookie season (3,801 yards with 22 touchdowns and 13 interceptions), but he’d make for a solid backup.
That’s why the Patriots are expected to entertain trade offers for Jones. According to a source, there’s a growing assumption inside Gillette Stadium that the Patriots will trade their 2021 first-round pick.
Zappe, 24, has started eight games and has 2,053 passing yards with 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions over the past two seasons. He’s a fine backup quarterback, but the Patriots need a veteran presence on their roster.
The biggest question is whether the Patriots want to find a starting quarterback in free agency or someone to be a valuable backup. Here are five options:
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Baker Mayfield
Mayfield revitalized his career in Tampa Bay, throwing for 4,044 yards with 28 touchdowns and 10 interceptions last year. It would be surprising if the Buccaneers didn’t re-sign him. There is a history, however, with Mayfield and several Patriots employees. He was drafted in Cleveland when Eliot Wolf was the Browns assistant general manager. New Patriots offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt was Mayfield’s offensive coordinator for two seasons in Cleveland. Patriots quarterbacks coach T.C. McCartney also spent two years on the Browns staff with Mayfield.
Kirk Cousins
If the Patriots want to bring in an expensive, veteran quarterback to start for them, Cousins is a good fit. The 35-year-old is a four-time Pro Bowler and has finished with over 4,000 passing yards seven times in his career. The issue here is that Cousins is coming off a season-ending Achilles injury and he’ll turn 36 in August. With Cousins, the Patriots would have a top-10 quarterback. This would be more of a short-term, expensive option, but it would fix some issues.
Jacoby Brissett
If the Patriots want to bring in an experienced backup to help a rookie quarterback, they should sign Brissett. Drafted by the Patriots in 2016, Brissett has had a solid career as a backup/bridge starter. He’s started 48 games over eight seasons. Brissett also started 11 games for the Browns when Van Pelt was the offensive coordinator, so there’s familiarity with the Patriots’ new system. Brissett would make for a great mentor for Jayden Daniels or Drake Maye.
Gardner Minshew
If the Patriots want a bridge starter, Minshew would fit. The 27-year-old took over in Indianapolis after the Colts lost rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson. Minshew finished with 3,305 yards to go with 15 touchdowns and nine interceptions. He earned Pro Bowl honors as an alternate. The Patriots could do a lot worse with their backup quarterback. Minshew is 15-22 as a starter and is known as a good guy to have in the locker room.
Joe Flacco
If the Patriots want a cost-effective, veteran backup with experience in their new offensive system, they could turn to Flacco. Last year, the 39-year-old excelled for Van Pelt and the Browns. He was the fifth quarterback to start for Cleveland and led them to a 4-1 record, throwing 1,161 yards with 13 touchdowns and eight interceptions. A veteran of 16 NFL seasons, Flacco could help the Patriots usher in a rookie quarterback in 2024.
