The new NFL year begins Wednesday, March 18, and with it, the advent of 2020's free agent marketplace. Leading up to that first day, we'll examine the landscape from a Patriots perspective, continuing with quarterbacks.
PATRIOTS FREE AGENTS
Tom Brady
OTHER NOTABLE NFL FREE AGENTS
Drew Brees (New Orleans Saints), Dak Prescott (Dallas Cowboys), Philip Rivers (L.A. Chargers), Ryan Tannehill (Tennessee Titans), Jameis Winston (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
POSSIBLE PATRIOTS
Brady, Teddy Bridgewater (New Orleans Saints), Marcus Mariota (Tennessee Titans), A.J. McCarron (Houston Texans), Colt McCoy (Washington Redskins), Matt Moore (Kansas City Chiefs)
ANALYSIS
While it's difficult for many to envision Brady in any uniform other than New England's, that eventuality must be considered this year. If the Patriots can't find a way to keep TB12 in Foxborough, which available QBs might be viable alternatives, at least in the short term? Bridgewater could receive considerable interest after his successful stint replacing Brees, who will likely stay with New Orleans.
The Patriots might not want to spend a hefty sum on a non-Brady passer, which makes backups like Mariota, McCarron (who's been linked to the Patriots in the past), McCoy, and Moore potential players to consider as competition for 2019 rookie Jarrett Stidham and veteran third-stringer Cody Kessler. It's possible New England could also try to trade for a veteran passer if the Patriots can't retain Brady.
