Patriots Offseason 2021: QB, WR, TE, and Draft

This previous 2020-21 NFL season was certainly much different for the New England Patriots and their loyal fans in comparison to the last 20 years. After the departure of Tom Brady, it became clear that the team wasn’t going to be the same Patriots team that we saw make the playoffs (If not the Super Bowl) nearly every year prior. After a down year, the Patriots still have many important factors to consider that could make or break the future of the team. This article will go through the top free agents and trade acquisitions, as well as a prediction of what the team might do through free agency, trades, and the draft.

First, let’s break down the quarterback situation, a little more in depth than the other positions.

Cam Newton was rushed into a system that has been developed over two decades. The “Patriot Way” isn’t something that comes without devoting your time and effort each and every single day. Over the course of 15 games, Newton had a 65.8 completion percentage, throwing for 2657 yards and 8 touchdowns with 10 interceptions. He also rushed for 592 yards and 12 touchdowns.

Newton’s numbers were not the best, but I would argue that there is a very strong chance he re-signs with the Patriots. Jarrett Stidham is also an in-house option, but it doesn’t seem like his tenure in New England will amount to much.

There are a few intriguing options to acquire via free agency or trade, but not many. Deshaun Watson and Russell Wilson have rumors swirling, but the Patriots simply don’t have the assets that other teams do. In free agency, there aren’t too many good names. Possible trade targets could be Jimmy Garoppolo of the 49ers, and there is a slight possibility for someone like Sam Darnold and Tua Tagovailoa (though neither the Dolphins or Jets may not want to trade a young quarterback to their in-division rival).

The draft is interesting, with the top 5 quarterbacks all being potential franchise players for years to come. However, with pick 15, the Patriots would need the right guy to fall to them. Trevor Lawrence is gone by then, as well as Zach Wilson and Justin Fields. The most likely two players to fall would be Trey Lance out of NDSU, and more than likely Mac Jones out of Alabama.

Could this be the year that Bill Belichick takes a leap and goes out to search for his quarterback of the future? Or will he stick with what he has in hopes of getting the chance again sometime soon?

Prediction:

SIGN: Cam Newton

DRAFT: K.J. Costello, QB, Mississippi State

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At Wide Receiver, the Patriots are extremely thin and have one of the worst passing games in the league. If they are to bring back Newton, who struggled with passing last year, they are going to have to supply him with fresh weapons. The free agent wide receiver pool is packed with guys of high level talent such as Will Fuller, Kenny Golladay, and Juju Smith-Schuster. There are a few more names who aren’t as big, like Corey Davis and Curtis Samuel.

Returning Wide receivers will be Jakobi Meyers, N’keal Harry, Julian Edelman, as well two hopefuls in Damiere Byrd and Marquise Lee, among others. With none of those players being a true number 1, the Patriots will need to sign talent from elsewhere.

The draft is also loaded with talent at the WR position, with Heisman trophy winner Devonta Smith from Alabama, his teammate Jaylen Waddle, and LSU’s Ja'marr Chase. With that being said, I highly doubt that any of them fall to the Patriots at 15, but there are other great options at later picks.

I don’t see the Patriots signing one of the top notch players. I think that they make good moves, but nothing to write home about. Plus, if they keep Cam Newton, players would be more likely to sign elsewhere where they can find a better quarterback.

Prediction:

SIGN: Curtis Samuel, Dede Westbrook

DRAFT: Elijah Moore, WR, Ole Miss

LOSE: Donte Moncrief, Isaiah Zuber, Marquise Lee

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At Tight End, the Patriots have numbers, but not much talent is in the room. Ryan Izzo, Matt LaCosse, Devin Asiasi, and Dalton Kene fill out the depth chart. The Patriots could certainly look to move on from one or two of them, and get themselves a more established TE that can start right away. Free agent tight ends include Chargers’ star Hunter Henry, the Titans Jonnu Smith, and the newly released Vikings’ Kyle Rudolph. Gerald Everett of the Rams is also interesting.

Perhaps the most intriguing option would be Zach Ertz from the Philadelphia Eagles, who is the most talented TE amongst these players other than maybe Henry. However, the Eagles would need to release him or the Patriots would need to pull off a trade in order for that to happen.

The Patriots can also look to the draft in hopes of Florida TE Kyle Pitts falling to them. It seems unlikely that the top tight end in the draft would find himself slipping down the board. If he is available, I would expect the patriots to take him, as he is one of the most versatile and talented offensive players in the 2021 draft.

Prediction:

SIGN: TE Kyle Rudolph

LOSE: TE Matt LaCosse

DRAFT: None

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As for the 15th overall pick, many seem to think that the Patriots will look to get either their Quarterback of the future or an offensive weapon. That may be true, but the draft needs to go a certain way for them to get a shot at the players they would be hoping for.

If QB Trey Lance, WR Devonta Smith, WR, Jaylen Waddle, or TE Kyle Pitts are available, I would expect them to jump on any of them. However, that seems unlikely, and the players above them at their positions are near certain locks for the top 10.

I don’t see the Patriots going on offense unless one of the above players is available. In a packed draft class, there are some very intriguing options. Gregory Rousseau, Micah Parsons, Caleb Farley, Patrick Surtain II, and Jaelan Phillips are just some of the great defensive talents in the draft.

In hopes that the Patriots have access to some of the names mentioned above:

Prediction: Micah Parsons, LB Penn State OR Jaelen Phillips, EDGE Miami

If none of those players fall...

Prediction: Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina OR Kwity Paye, EDGE, Michigan

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I don’t believe that the patriots will change too much at running back. Defense will be another story, and expect moves on both sides of the ball with some big money to spend.