Patriots: Matt Stafford and other QB options in FA and 2021 NFL Draft

Option #1 – Trade for Matthew Stafford

With Brady off to play for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this offseason, the Patriots were left with a huge void to fill. For the first time in over a decade, the Patriots chose an outsider at QB in 2020. While Cam Newton did not work out, the team could look at veteran help again to solve their issues in 2021. There could be a multitude of veteran QB options available via trade and free agency such as Houston’s Deshaun Watson, New York’s Sam Darnold, and Detroit’s Matthew Stafford.

Watson is the biggest name here, but he has already been linked to the Miami Dolphins, New York Jets, and even the Carolina Panthers. A swap between Houston and New York could include both Watson and Darnold, leaving Stafford as the lone viable candidate. As a gifted former top pick, Stafford has not experienced much postseason success with Detroit and may be looking to join forces with Bill Belichick for a last gasp chance at a Super Bowl run.

Stafford is entering his age-32 season in 2021 and has two years remaining on his contract with the Lions. With a new coach entering the fold, the team may be looking at a massive rebuild, including a new quarterback. Before 2021, the Lions seemed unwilling to move their former top pick, but a package of draft capital to jumpstart their rebuild would be an enticing offer for Detroit. With Stafford in New England, the Patriots’ offense receives a boost and makes them a contender to get back to the playoffs in 2021.