’19 Personnel: Tom Brady (UFA), Jarrett Stidham
The final and likely most obvious need on this team’s depth chart is at the quarterback position. This is the first time there have been serious questions about the presence of a starting quarterback on the roster since drafting Drew Bledsoe number one overall in the 1993 NFL draft. With no heir apparent behind Brady after Stidham’s unimpressive performances filling in during garbage-time, New England has two situations which could unfold:
- Brady returns – draft a legitimate heir apparent
- Brady leaves – find bridge quarterback and draft heir apparent
Each of these options poses different questions regarding how much draft capital should be invested into the future franchise quarterback, but Belichick is going to need to spend a selection within the first two rounds to find a certain starter.
If Brady is to leave, one of the most popular theories has been a trade for Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton, who has never had a legitimate chance to lead a competitive team during his time in Cincinnati. With a lack of coaching nor a plethora of talent surrounding him throughout the roster, Belichick could coach Dalton similarly to a young Brady with a conservative offense that complements a top-tier defense.
Other free-agent options such as Teddy Bridgewater give more certainty to New England’s immediate future, putting a band-aid on the wound that is losing your franchise quarterback. A solution such as this would bring wins now and delay the need to draft a franchise centerpiece.