The New England Patriots are in need of a quarterback after their recent divorce with QB Tom Brady.
While it appears Brady has won the divorce in the short term, the Patriots are looking to build something for the future.
Many of which thought was QB Cam Newton — who signed with New England before the start of the 2020 regular season.
It appears that New England will be looking for a franchise quarterback this offseason, whether it be through free agency, draft or potentially, through a trade.
Derek Carr To The New England Patriots?
In the past, New England hasn’t been known to be aggressive in the offseason.
Perhaps the greatest coach of all time — Bill Belichick — has built his teams by finding hidden gems and plugging them into the “Patriot way”.
But, there are reports surfacing alleging that the Patriots will be extremely aggressive this offseason.
Tom E. Curran of NBC Sports Boston reported the following:
“Everything I am hearing from down there is that the Patriots are going to be extremely and uncharacteristically aggressive in this offseason.”
With about $54 million available in cap space, New England certainly has some room to make moves.
The question that remains is, how do they fill the gaping hole at the quarterback position?
One potential suitor is Las Vegas Raiders’ quarterback, Derek Carr.
Derek Carr is expected to be pursued by multiple teams via trade and could be involved in a trade for Texans QB Deshaun Watson, per @VinnyBonsignore pic.twitter.com/uAvx78szzM
— PFF (@PFF) February 3, 2021
With the Raiders interested in Houston Texans quarterback, Deshaun Watson, they will be looking to trade Derek Carr.
As it currently sits, their asking price would be two first round picks, which they would then be able to couple with their own picks for Watson.
With the 15th pick in the NFL Draft, the Patriots would most likely need to give up this years’ 1st and next years’ in order to acquire Carr from Las Vegas.
Some could argue that is a steep price for a quarterback with 0 playoffs wins.
But, the counter to that is, in New England’s culture, Carr could thrive and bring that team back to the playoffs.
Other QB Options
If the Patriots were to decide that the asking price is too steep, where else could they turn?
Well, Matthew Stafford was actively on the block over the past week.
In fact, he told the Lions he would go anywhere… but New England.
Matthew Stafford reportedly would have accepted a trade anywhere — except to the @patriots https://t.co/kNzwADS4aN
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) January 31, 2021
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback, Carson Wentz, may be on the move if the price is right.
But, I would suspect that New England would have to give up substantially more to get Wentz.
Both Kirk Cousins and Jimmy Garoppolo have been rumored to be on the block, but that is not the long term answer in New England.
With their current draft position, they may end up with QB Trey Lance out of North Dakota State, or Mac Jones out of Alabama.
One could certainly make the argument that the Patriots best move would be to trade for Derek Carr.
Derek Carr has finished as a top-10 graded QB in three of the last six seasons:
🔹 2020 – 84.7 (9th)
🔹 2016 – 85.3 (5th)
🔹 2015 – 76.0 (10th) pic.twitter.com/LCeVfpgwIA— PFF (@PFF) February 3, 2021
At the age of 29 coupled with his contract that would keep him in New England until 2022, it might be worth the risk.
The New England Patriots would have two years with Carr and that is more than enough time to see if he will fit in well with their culture.
Folks need to keep in mind that New England was missing several players on the defensive side of the ball this year due to COVID-19 opt outs.
If they are able to draft somewhat well late in the draft and sign some offensive pieces, this team could very well be back in the playoffs next season.
But, that likely will not happen unless Derek Carr is under helm.
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