Signed: Cleveland Browns head coach have signed two best player sudden…
Signed: Cleveland Browns head coach have signed two best player sudden…
The Patriots quarterback dilemma has already been covered extensively, so there’s no need to go over everything again. They will probably sign a seasoned bridge option and choose a quarterback with the third selection after trading for Mac Jones to the Jaguars. The main concern is whether they will stick with Nathan Rourke or Bailey Zappe as the third quarterback.
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The Patriots have a lot of alternatives for the veteran; the best names available include Ryan Tannehill, Jimmy Garoppolo, Justin Fields, Russell Wilson, and Kirk Cousins, but one former Brown fits in well.
The Patriots are reportedly very interested in Jacoby Brissett, who started 11 games for the Browns in 2022, according to a league source. According to the source, Van Pelt cherished mentoring Brissett, and the Patriots saw Brissett as a diligent worker who can serve as a strong role model for the youngster and foster a healthy locker room culture. Although Brissett may not be the most gifted quarterback available, he has two crucial qualities for the position: he will prioritize football and won’t cry if a rookie replaces him on the field.
Should Brissett choose not to go to New England, backup alternatives may include Garoppolo, Tannehill, or Fields—who has to be acquired by trade. Josh Dobbs is an additional choice; he trained with the Browns throughout the previous offseason and training camp.
Trent Brown and Mike Onwenu, who started last season, are also unrestricted free agents. The Patriots have already reached a one-year contract for $3.15 million guaranteed with former Steelers right tackle Chukwuma Okorafor. However, this shouldn’t deter them from re-signing Onwenu, who is expected to be a right tackle stalwart for a number of more years.
The majority of the best free agents on the left, Tyron Smith (34), Charles Leno (33), and Andrus Peat (31), are over 30 and would just be Band-Aids. However, there is one guy who appears to be a perfect fit: 27-year-old left tackle Geron Christian, who excelled in his 10 starts for Cleveland last season.
Since Jedrick Wills is the Browns’ current left tackle, Christian ought to be available. While the Patriots ought to consider selecting a left tackle in the draft, I would be surprised if they didn’t give Christian a significant look as well.
The Patriots have to add another safety to complement Jabrill Peppers, but they have Kyle Dugger on the transition list, so it would be shocking if he isn’t available. Beyond Christian Gonzalez, the Patriots need two starting cornerbacks because Myles Bryant is a free agent and J.C. Jackson was dismissed.
Bryant’s ability to play in the slot, on the outside, at safety, and on special teams makes him an absolute must-sign. With Shaun Wade, Alex Austin, and Jonathan Jones all on the roster, the Patriots could be able to hold off on adding a cornerback until the draft.
The Patriots have DeVante Parker, Demario Douglas, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Tyquan Thornton, and Kayshon Boutte under contract. But if they are going to “weaponize” the offense, as director of scouting/de facto general manager Eliot Wolf put it, they need to draft one receiver and add a veteran, likely at the expense of Thornton and/or Boutte.
Free agency doesn’t have many big names, but Calvin Ridley, Gabe Davis, Curtis Samuel, and Marquise Brown could all help. Courtland Sutton may be out in Denver and could be an upgrade. Kendrick Bourne should probably be re-signed, but viewed as a depth piece considering he’s coming back from a torn ACL.
