Patriots drafted rumors: New England still wants to add a quarterback to the 2021 NFL Draft, trade

Bill Belichick’s busy office is scheduled to continue well into April.

According to Jeff Howe of The Athletic, New England is still committed to “exhausting” every option at quarterback this offseason, either by drafting a quarterback in the 2021 NFL Draft or trading for a veteran passer.

Grip in drafting: San Francisco’s blockbuster trade until No. 3 overall has complicated the situation, with speculation that three quarterbacks could go into the top three of this year’s NFL draft. Five QBs could be taken in the first round – and all five could be taken in the top 10.

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He complicates things for New England, which sits at No. 15 in the draft. To take a top-caliber prospect, they would likely have to go up. What a big question: The Falcons (No. 4), Panthers (No. 7) and Broncos (No. 9) are all in the quarterback market, and may conceive this year.

Atlanta’s pick at No. 4 is particularly intriguing. However, there is little hope that the Falcons will trade out of No. 4 for divisional rival Carolina, which still leaves a lot of teams to jump to for New England, and that will come at a steep cost.

Howe also mentioned that Jimmy Garpolo could be a trade target for New England. The Patriots sent Jimmy G to San Francisco in 2017, followed by Gerappolo to succeed Brady in New England in several countries. Trade rumors have surrounded Garapolo, although reports indicate that he has no intention of trading in San Francisco.

New England targeting the quarterback makes sense: Cam Newton, who was productive on the ground in 2020, had a less-than-good season for passing the ball and Belichek would likely be looking for a future quarterback in either Newton. To compete with or hand over. Reins in 2022.

The Patriots did a lot to help Newton’s skills accent this offseason – signing big-time deals to Jonu Smith and Hunter Henry, strengthening the mid-range passing attack. But the additions made by New England will help any passer, who is experienced or drafted.