Patriots ‘Fit’ to Sign Free Agent Quarterback?

As a new era of New England Patriots football begins with the hiring of Jerod Mayo to succeed the iconic Bill Belichick as head coach, much of the attention will go to roster development.

One of the most important positions to focus on will likely be quarterback. While many expect the Patriots to use their third overall pick to find their next franchise player, there is always the possibility that they will seek assistance from a veteran.

Current Tennessee Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill, despite the Patriots’ decision not to hire his former coach Mike Vrabel to replace Belichick, has been described as a “scheme fit.”

“The Patriots could take a new face of the franchise with the No. 3 overall pick,” according to Ryan Fowler of Bleacher Report. “But if they opt to go to the veteran route or eye Tannehill as a wily vet with some spot-start ability, this could be a nice landing spot.”

According to OvertheCap, the Patriots have more than $67 million in expected cap space this offseason, allowing them to add a quarterback through free agency, but is Tannehill the correct choice?

If the Patriots are seeking for a starter, they may have better alternatives in a free agency class that includes current starting quarterbacks such as the Minnesota Vikings’ Kirk Cousins and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Baker Mayfield. However, if the Patriots are searching for a mentor and backup for their future franchise quarterback, Tannehill might fill the role he performed for Titans rookie Will Levis last season.

Tannehill made only eight starts this season, despite not being the Titans’ first choice. During those snaps, Tannehill threw for 1,616 yards, four touchdowns, and seven interceptions. While it appears like the Patriots will use their high draft pick to discover their future quarterback, bringing in a veteran like Tannehill, even as a backup, may make sense.