2021 NFL Draft: Patriots and other dark horse teams in quarterback market
2. Chicago Bears
It has been a mess in the Windy City this season. They began the year at 3-0 and have fallen to 5-7 with inconsistent quarterback play all year. Mitchell Trubisky has shown flashes of being a quality starter in this league yet, when the Bears have needed him, he hasn’t necessarily delivered. As for Nick Foles, who they brought in via trade this past offseason, his time in Chicago has proved he performs at a higher level when the expectations aren’t all put on his plate (see the 2017 Eagles).
Many people believe the one thing stopping the Bears from being a serious title contender are improvements in the passing game. The poor passing they showcase each week has also been guilty of wasting one of the most talented defenses in the NFL over the past few years. It’s likely they look at free agency or a trade if they plan on moving on from Trubisky, Foles or both altogether. However, we shouldn’t be shocked if they end up wanting to trade up for someone who can become more reliable from this position than the ones they currently have.
3. New England Patriots
After two decades of Tom Brady’s dominance, the Patriots lost him to free agency. Before the season started, many fans thought Jarrett Stidham was the best option for New England. Unfortunately, Stidham never seemed prepared to take on the role as the full-time starter. Then, former MVP Cam Newton arrived on a cheap deal and has had big shoes to fill as the Patriots’ new man in charge.
Even though Newton has shown flashes of good quarterback play, it’s evident that he’s on the back end of his career. Newton isn’t trending upwards and has a history of injuries so, a legitimate question about his future can be asked. The Pats probably might think about keeping him a bit longer than only a year or they could elect to move on.
With that being said, if Cam stays, it can become a situation where Newton plays the role of a bridge quarterback for someone who will eventually get the keys to the offense. Regardless, Newton and Stidham aren’t considered long-term options by anyone. It will be time for the Pats to secure the new face of the franchise very soon.