The question that everyone in New England and around the NFL is asking is who will the Patriots Quarterback be for the 2021-2022 NFL season? After posting a 7-8 record while starting games (missed week 4 due to COVID), it is safe to assume that Cam Newton will not be returning as the Patriots quarterback. The Patriots could turn to the draft for a quarterback. Quarterbacks Trevor Lawrence, Zach Wilson and Justin Fields will almost certainly be picked before that Patriots selection at pick 15 and a trade is unlikely. Quarterbacks who the Patriots may select include Trey Lance, Mac Jones, or possibly someone later in the draft. Trey Lance appeared in just one game in the 2020 season. Lance has a strong arm, size and a running ability but he will need quite a bit of developing. In his 2019 Redshirt Freshman Campaign Lance totaled 2,786 yards 28 Touchdowns with an impressive 0 Interceptions. Mac Jones’s resume speaks for itself. Jones threw for 4,500 yards, threw 41 Touchdowns on just 4 interceptions. Jones also led the Alabama Crimson Tide to a National Championship. Some say Jones’s success could be attributed to being surrounded by a great offensive line, phenomenal wide receiver, and a strong running game but Mac Jones is an accurate passer with an arm that speaks for itself. If the Patriots do not select a quarterback in the 2021 NFL draft, they will have to turn to free agency or make a trade. 

Possible free agent signings include Jameis Winston, Mitchell Trubisky and Jacoby Brissett. Jameis Winston served as the Saints backup behind future hall of famer Drew Brees. While not doing much during the season, Winston threw a 56 yard touchdown in the Playoffs. In Winston’s previous year with the Buccaneers he posted a 30-30 season, the only one in History. While Winston does have the potential to be a solid quarterback,, he would need to not turn the ball over to get his game to the next level. Mitchell Trubisky had a slightly above average year throwing for 2,,055 yards and 16 Touchdowns in 10 games. Trubisky showed some signs of success when he led the Bears to 4 straight games with 30+ points for the first time since the 1960s. While Trubisky can struggle as he did against the Saints in the NFC Wild card round, there is potential for him to develop under Belichick in New England. The Patriots could look to bring back Jacoby Brissett as a bridge quarterback. He knows the system and will not be returning to the Colts after they traded for Carson Wentz. 

If the Patriots are looking to trade for a quarterback some notable options are Desean Watson, Marcus Mariota and Sam Darnold. Desean Watson is a proven star quarterback, but are the Patriots willing to give up everything for him? It is going to take multiple 1st and 2nd round picks along with others which simply cannot build a team. Sam Darnold is an interesting situation with the Jets most likely going to select a QB 2nd overall. Darnold has had some success such as in 2019 when he threw for 3,024 yards 19 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. However, he posted a 2-10 record in 2020. The Jets would be unlikely to trade him within the Division as well. Marcus Mariota would be a good fit., After replacing Derek Carr in a game he posted 226 yards and a touchdown as well as an interception and 88 rushing yards for a touchdown. Giving up a 4th round pick would most likely do it for Mariota and the Patriots should absolutely do it. Marcus Mariota would be the best fit for the Patriots.