p_atrick wrote: ↑Sun Mar 14, 2021 10:49 pm
With Newton under center this year, the clock has started ticking for 2022. Stidham is still young enough that he can take the next step in his development, but he hasn't really shown anything in his limited playing time. There really isn't a free agent QB out there worth a contract when compared to options currently on the roster. I supposed they could make a trade, but a deal for Watson is going to hinder the team's ability to add future talent via the draft. Wilson doesn't want to go to New England. Jimmy G is often linked to the Patriots, but I don't think that would be a good idea. Maybe somebody becomes available after the draft. You figure they need to draft a QB, right? Rumors that Gilmore might be traded, which could help the team add another pick or two. Plus the team upgraded their picks in the 4th, 5th, and 6th rounds. The team has options, but there are no easy answers for the long-term QB. It will come down to player development.
I agree that they're most likely looking to the draft for a QB. If they were targeting any QB in a trade, I would think it's Jimmy G because of their familiarity with him but I still doubt he's leaving the 49ers. I'm wondering how aggressive they will be in the draft. After today, I don't doubt that they would trade up if they think they can get "their guy."
Gilmore is my favorite player on the team right now, so I'm not looking forward to seeing him go but it's inevitable. He's not going to play at his current deal and I don't think Belichick wants to pay him market value. He's one of, if not, their best trade assets right now too.
It was mostly a cap dump, but I still liked their trade with Houston to upgrade all those draft picks in the late rounds.
Today was a very unorthodox day for Belichick and the Patriots. They spent more today than they're ever spent on any free agency ever, so he's clearly very serious about building the team this year. I'm a big fan of the moves they made today too. They were
desperate for an upgrade at tight end, so I'm very happy to see them land Jonnu Smith, who was one of the top free agent tight ends available. They paid a top of market price at a low paid position and got a huge, much needed, upgrade.
Signing Matt Judon from the Ravens was another big move. Pass rush and run defense were also in need of an upgrade and Judon should be able to help with both. They also signed two other defensive tackles today, hopefully to help with run defense.
In the past couple hours, they've also added two new wide receivers - Kendrick Bourne from the 49ers and Nelson Agholor from the Raiders. They're being more aggressive than ever before and it's very promising to see. :)
On a complete opposite note, it was bittersweet to see Joe Thuney leave the Patriots. He was an absolute iron man for them, never missed a snap and was always performing very well. He's also a very versatile player. Thuney is getting a well deserved pay day and the Chiefs are getting a stud at offensive guard!
