The Patriots are 2-9. The fans know they aren’t good. The Players know they aren’t good, and the media doesn’t think they’re any good. Heading into Sunday, the season is basically over for the Patriots. The Mac Jones era is seemingly over as the Patriots turn the page to Bailey Zappe. The former fourth-round draft pick is in line to start against the Chargers. Zappe is 2-0 as a starter, recording wins against the Browns and Lions last season.
Enough on Sunday’s game. Let’s get to some offseason talk.
Answering questions submitted by X (formerly Twitter) followers. #NestTalks
“What is the Pats biggest re-sign and biggest need to sign in the off-season?” ~ @BladeUnholy
Heading into the 2024 NFL off-season, the Patriots’ most significant positional need is, without a doubt, at the quarterback position. However, a minimal amount of talent at the position constructs the upcoming free-agent class, likely forcing New England to spend their top draft pick on a quarterback.
The offensive line is another area that needs some fortifying as well. Both starting tackles, Trent Brown and Mike Onwenu, are free agents this off-season with Onwenu needing to be brought back as New England’s most important re-sign candidate. Whether or not Trent Brown returns to Foxborough, a signing or draft selection of a prominent offensive tackle should be close to the top of the organization’s off-season goals. Even if New England re-signs both of their current tackles, Onwenu could be moved back to RG, further solidifying the interior of the team’s offensive line.
The 2024 free agent class offers some impactful tackles, including Tyron Smith of the Dallas Cowboys. Regardless, if New England decides to look toward the draft for an offensive tackle, the list of available wide receivers are even more appealing. Big names such as Mike Evans, Michael Pittman, and Tee Higgins could be among those available. Nonetheless, there needs to be a larger investment in the offense.
Patriots cap expert Miguel Benzen (@patscap) projects the Patriots to have a little over $76M in cap space this off-season. That would put the Patriots at the top of the league in cap space.
“Do you think Mac Jones will be cut after this year?” ~ @GP_CC3
Mac Jones remains under contract through 2024, and my first assumption was that he would be the backup next year. Now, heading into Week 13 with Bailey Zappe as the starter, I am not sold on him remaining a Patriot.
If Zappe performs better than Jones and shows that he can be a more reliable quarterback for the team, then Mac could be on his way out. If Zappe shows why he’s a more reliable option, then why not just keep him as the main backup for the offense?
I could also see Jones possibly requesting his release this off-season if he feels that staying in New England will not further improve his career.
“Do you think an elite college QB such as Caleb Williams or Drake Maye could help our wide receivers develop, or are they a lost cause?” ~ @CalebMuse13
The Patriots’ offense lacks receivers who can separate consistently. The only somewhat reliable receiver on the roster this season is 2023 sixth-round draft pick Demario Douglas.
Only a handful of quarterbacks in the NFL can truly elevate the play of the receivers around them. The name that first comes to mind is Patrick Mahomes, who, outside of Travis Kelce, does not have reliable pass-catchers. Yet, that Kansas City offense continues to thrive.
Could a top rookie quarterback selection in the draft do the same? Technically, yes, but those quarterbacks tend to become generational talents, which are very difficult to find in almost every draft. The Patriots could end up hitting the lottery with one of the top two quarterbacks in the draft. However, it’s important to note they will be rookies still and will have to develop.
Therefore, New England cannot bank on a rookie quarterback to elevate the effectiveness of their pass-catchers.
“This draft, if the Patriots are sitting between the 2-4 spot, should they draft a QB, WR, or OT?” ~ @AndrewBomb34436
Further expanding on the Patriots’ biggest positional needs heading into the 2024 off-season, quarterback should be their top priority in the draft. Unless Malik Cunningham, elevated to the team’s active roster for Sunday’s game, outperforms all expectations. No current quarterback on New England’s roster should be their 2024 starter.
New England should have two options between the 2-4 draft spots. They should draft either one of the top-ranked quarterbacks, Caleb Williams or Drake Maye.If both top quarterbacks aren’t available, they should trade down a couple of spots and draft LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels.
Yes, Bill Belichick is notorious for consistently trading down in drafts every year. However, by trading down, New England should also be able to acquire an extra second-round draft pick. Trading down woud allow them to address both their offensive tackle and receiver needs in the second round. Both potential selections will hopefully be effective early in their careers to help the development of a first-round rookie quarterback.
New England could also trade back into the first round with their extra draft capital if desired.
