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

Option #3 – Start Stidham and draft QB in middle rounds

During Tom Brady’s tenure with the Patriots, the team did a tremendous job of developing significant quarterback talent behind the future Hall of Famer. However, players like Matt Cassel, Jimmy Garoppolo, and Jacoby Brissett eventually became trade assets for the team as Brady’s tenure carried on. The talent in the Patriots’ QB room has thinned out considerably since Brady’s departure. Now New England could be scrambling for an answer for the second year in a row. Incumbent Patriots’ backup QB Jarrett Stidham could bridge the gap until New England finds a suitable long-term replacement.

The Cam Newton era was a major disappointment in 2020 and appears over before it even started. The Patriots could be looking for his immediate or long-term replacement in the middle to late rounds of the 2021 NFL Draft. Those potential options include Texas’ Sam Ehlinger, Mississippi State’s K.J. Costello, and Memphis’ Brady White. Beginning from round three on, New England will be looking for their next Tom Brady and the future of this once proud Patriots’ dynasty.

All three options in the 2021 NFL Draft are at least 6-foot-3 with the prototypical size that the Patriots seem to covet. Ehlinger is the most exciting of the group, as one of the top passers in the history of Texas Longhorns football. He is the second all-time leading passer in terms of both yards and touchdowns behind only Colt McCoy. Ehlinger also has underrated speed and can score additional touchdowns with his legs when the pocket and integrity of a play break down. He will get a chance to prove his worth at the Senior Bowl later this month.