NFL Draft Trades and Quarterback Dilemmas: Analyzing Potential Moves for the New England Patriots

Even though the NFL Draft is still more than a month away, there’s already significant movement as the Minnesota Vikings have made a trade with the Houston Texans. In this deal, the Vikings obtained the No. 23 and 232 picks, giving up the No. 42 and 188 picks. This move comes at a crucial time for the Vikings, who recently lost Kirk Cousins to free agency after he signed a lucrative four-year, $180 million deal with the Atlanta Falcons.

Now, there’s speculation that the Vikings might pursue another trade to secure a higher pick, possibly within the top four. This situation presents an opportunity for teams like the New England Patriots, who may receive calls regarding potential trades. However, there are doubts about whether the Patriots would entertain such offers.

Daniel Jeremiah from NFL.com discussed this dilemma on “The Zach Gelb Show” on CBS Sports Radio, expressing the view that New England might be hesitant to make a move. According to Jeremiah, it seems the Patriots are set on selecting a quarterback with the third overall pick.

With the recent acquisition of Jacoby Brissett and the trade involving Mac Jones, the Patriots appear ready to usher in their next franchise quarterback. Brissett’s return provides valuable experience and leadership in the quarterback room, potentially aiding in the development of a rookie quarterback.

Alternatively, the Patriots could explore the option of trading down in the draft, acquiring multiple picks and possibly forgoing selecting a quarterback this year. Although this approach might not be popular among fans eager for a new franchise quarterback, it mirrors the strategy adopted by teams like the Falcons in previous seasons.

By trading down, the Patriots could accumulate additional draft assets, allowing them to build a stronger roster before addressing the quarterback position. This approach could make New England an attractive destination for quarterbacks, given the opportunity to join a team with ample resources for development.