Patriots Projected to Make Eye-Popping Quarterback Decision in 2021

Pro Football Focus has a bold theory about the New England Patriots and their starting quarterback in the 2021 NFL Season.

The advanced football analytics firm believes that the Patriots won’t keep veteran quarterback Cam Newton under center next season. According to this theory, Jarrett Stidham and the rookies won’t take the position either.

Patriots to use another quarterback in 2021

Is Ryan Fitzpatrick the next starting quarterback for the Patriots?

The Miami Dolphins quarterback has spent some time with the Buffalo Bills and New York Jets. PFF believes he will sign a one-year deal worth $10 million with the Patriots. New England is the only AFC East team Fitzpatrick has yet to play with in his 16-year career.

“The Fitzmagic rolls on for another season, as the journeyman QB seems to age like a rich Bordeaux. Miami made it clear this past offseason that retaining Ryan Fitzpatrick was a priority, even with clear plans to draft Tua Tagovailoa. The 38-year-old had an $8 million base salary for 2020 with no other compensation left on his deal, and teams were reportedly sending trade offers. Miami’s decision to keep one of the great “bridge” quarterbacks around has been a win-win for both parties, and there will be several suitors for Fitzpatrick’s services again in 2021.”

Fitzpatrick is 38 and he still plays his elite football. He has a 4-3 record as a starter this season. The veteran quarterback has thrown 12 touchdown passes and eight interceptions. He completed 68.5 percent of his passes for 1,909 yards. Fitzpatrick may not be a long-term solution for New England, and that’s why PFF projected a one-year deal. According to experts, Fitzpatrick is one of the quintessential “bridge” quarterbacks.

This doesn’t change the fact that the Patriots will draft a quarterback. They need to draft a quarterback. If the team signs Fitzpatrick or someone like him, the team won’t use the first-round pick on a quarterback.

New England can definitely get a quarterback outside of the first round of the NFL Draft. They used a fourth-round pick on Stidham in 2019, but he failed to meet the expectations. He stepped in as a replacement for Newton, but his game wasn’t really great.