Patriots NFL news roundup: Brady talks Belichick unemployment; Justin Jefferson trade proposal has internet buzzing

What does former New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady think about Bill Belichick not getting an NFL head coaching gig in 2024?  Well, surprised to say the least.

The fact that the greatest quarterback and head coach combo of all time in the NFL didn’t finish their careers with the Patriots is hard enough to swallow.  But both not riding off into the sunset together is a chapter in franchise history Patriots fans would like to forget. Above all, that Belichick vs Brady debate is still in the air until and unless Belichick can prove he can win without the GOAT quarterback.

Addressing the matter on his Let’s Go! Podcast, Brady weighed in on his former head coach not getting a job after mutually parting ways with the Patriots.

"I'm not one to hire (coaches)," Brady said, as transcribed by NFL.com. "I don't know the criteria for hiring these guys, for hiring coaches. I've never been a part of it.

"I mean, I'm surprised that the greatest coach ever doesn't have a job, absolutely. But I'm surprised (by) a lot of things in the NFL."

Mocks on Patriots: Could Bill Belichick’s non-hiring be a blessing?

Brady went on in his broadcast to mention his own plight as a free agent and how there wasn’t as much interest in him when he finally tested free agency.  He did go on to prove he had some top years left, but at the time it was a matter of which team he fit with.  Brady eventually got his chance with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

While Brady is scratching his head over a team like the Atlanta Falcons not hiring the legendary coach, he knows things happen for a reason and perhaps the right job lies ahead for Belichick.  Maybe taking a year away from coaching will re-energize his approach and team building strategy. 

"... There (are) a lot of things that happen that, for one reason or another, don't go exactly the way you think they should go," Brady said.

NFL rumors: Colin Cowherd has Patriots fans dreaming with this Justin Jefferson blockbuster

It wouldn’t be the offseason without a superstar wide receiver being linked in trade rumors.

With ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reporting over the weekend that Minnesota Vikings are monitoring the top quarterbacks in the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft, Colin Cowherd used his platform to propose a trade that would be hard for the Patriots to turn down.

Cowherd’s trade idea would send the No. 3 overall pick to the Vikings for star receiver Justin Jefferson, the No. 11 overall pick and a 2025 first-rounder.

“What does New England desperately need? A playmaker,” Cowherd said Monday on FS1’s “The Herd”, via NBC Sports Boston.

“I’ll give you next year’s (first-round pick) and Justin Jefferson to go from 11 to 3, because they’ve already got Jordan Addison, they’ve got the tight end (T.J. Hockenson) they like,” Cowherd continued. “They’ve got skill players. Next year’s one and Justin Jefferson to move up to the number three spot to get your quarterback.”

Yes, the Vikings could survive trading Jefferson if they believed in one of the top 3 quarterbacks in this year’s draft.  Whether its Drake Maye, Jayden Daniels or Caleb Williams is somehow not selected No. 1 overall, Minnesota would really have to believe in one of those players to pull off this type of deal.

As for the Patriots, this would be a deal that could really set them on the right track.  They would have to be intrigued by the second tier of quarterback talents to move down.  Bo Nix, J.J. McCarthy, Michael Penix Jr are some names they can target at No. 11 or even into the second round.  But adding Jefferson is the juicy detail in this trade proposal.  The Patriots would finally get an elite playmaking talent that could intrigue the team to stick with Mac Jones another year.

Imagine adding Jefferson and selecting a player like tight end Brock Bowers with pick No. 11?

There is also a possibility the Patriots could trade for Justin Fields or sign a free agent quarterback like Baker Mayfield to take care of the QB position.  Whatever happens, can’t hate on Cowherd’s proposal if you are a Patriots fan.

Patriots free agency notes, tidbits, buzz: Kendrick Bourne wants to stay in New England

With the Belichick departure, the fear is that player would not be drawn to New England.  That apparently isn’t true.  In fact, might just be the opposite.  One Patriots pending free agent has expressed his desire to remain in Foxborough.

During an appearance on NFC Sports Quick Slants, Kendrick Bourne was asked about his upcoming free agency plans.  His response will delight Patriots fans.

“Absolutely man,” Bourne explained, as transcribed by WEEI. “The way they treated me last year. I mean all my years, you know, they helped me grow tremendously in my life. Personally, emotionally, everything mentally, as a football player ultimately, and I wanna be back in that.”

Bourne was on the verge of a big year before his season was ended with an ACL tear.  He noted a “new era” in New England under Jerod Mayo and how the team has pushed him to be a better player as reasons he is full onboard of re-signing in with the Patriots.  Due to the injury, it may be beneficial for both sides to work out something to keep Bourne who could also benefit as a second or third option if the team go a stud like Justin Jefferson.