Here’s Updated List Of Patriots Veteran Quarterback Options After Carson Wentz Trade

The New England Patriots have fewer quarterback options at the moment, and head coach Bill Belichick didn’t predict Carson Wentz’s trade.

New England is a month away from the official start of the 2021 NFL season. Several quarterbacks have changed teams. The Detroit Lions traded Matthew Stafford to the Los Angeles Rams for two first-round picks, a third-round pick and Jared Goff. Well, Stafford wasn’t an option for the Patriots. He didn’t even think of joining the team.

The Philadelphia Eagles agreed to a deal with the Indianapolis Colts. Wentz will reunite with former coordinator Frank Reich. Indianapolis will send back a 2021 third-round pick and a conditional 22 second-rounder.  Philadelphia will get an NFL-record $33.8 million dead money charge for Wentz’s deal. The team can’t officialize the deal until March 17.

This leaves less options for the Patriots.

Patriots have another quarterback trade

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo is an excellent trade candidate. He knows the Patriots offense. However, the 49ers may not give up on him that easily.  They will look for a fitting upgrade, and the whole thing will end in several months.

Derek Carr and Marcus Mariota are trade baits too. Mariota was Carr’s backup in 2020. He will probably leave the team. The quarterback carries a $10.8 million cap hit in 2021 and may be acquired for a Day 3 draft pick.

Deshaun Watson wants to leave the Houston Texans. However, there’s little to no chance for him to join the Patriots. Teddy Birdgewater may leave his current team. The same applies to Sam Darnold.

When it comes to free-agent options, Dak Prescott is a top opportunity. Most NFL experts believe he would stay in Dallas. Ryan Fitzpatrick, Jameis Winston, Jacoby Brissett, Andy Dalton, Tyrod Taylor, and Mitchell Trubisky belong to this group, too.

Brissett was a 2016 draft pick for the Patriots. He may not re-sign with the Colts. Wentz is on board, remember?

Bill Belichick may re-sign Cam Newton and give him the weapons he lacked in 20202. Jarrett Stidham is under contract.

So many options… New England entered the offseason with $63 million in salary cap space.