The New England Patriots looked like they had found their answer at the quarterback position with Mac Jones. Jones, the No. 15 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft out of Alabama, had by far the most success of his draft mates as a rookie. He helped lead New England to the playoffs after a rough 2020 season that included transitioning away from Tom Brady.
But, for as good as the 2021 season was, 2022 was tough. Jones took a step back, which is easy to imagine when taking into consideration that he was being coached by Matt Patricia and Joe Judge, who have backgrounds in defense and special teams.
But, what may have done Jones in was the rift that was created between himself and Bill Belichick. It led to the Patriots shopping him this offseason on the trade market. While nothing came to fruition yet, that could change with the draft just days away.
If the Patriots were ready to move on from Jones, their options to replace him would be limited. They aren’t in a position to select one of the top signal callers in this year’s draft as they are slated to pick 14th. One avenue that they explore is the trade market, where Ryan Tannehill could be available.
The Tennessee Titans began making moves that insinuate they are going to be heading for a rebuild. Multiple veterans were cut and more moves could be on the horizon with Tannehill in the middle of rumors.
The Patriots were named one of the potential landing spots for Tannehill should the Titans trade him by Jason Katz of Pro Football Network.
“Tannehill may not make the Patriots instant contenders. Their roster just doesn’t appear strong enough. But he would make them better than they are with Jones.
Ultimately, optimal landing spots for Tannehill are places where an aging, declining Tannehill would still be an obvious improvement on what the team already has at quarterback. New England fits the bill. They also have about $11 million in cap space, which should be enough to make it work.”
As long as Belichick is leading the way, the Patriots have shown they are capable of remaining competitive. They have only made the playoffs once in three years since Brady departed, but they have won at least seven games in each of them.
The defense has been the backbone of that success. If they could find an upgrade at quarterback, which Tannehill would be considered, the offense could produce at a higher level.
There are some solid weapons in place with JuJu Smith-Schuster being signed in free agency and running back Rhamondre Stevenson breaking out last season. Adding the veteran Tannehill to the mix would provide Belichick with a steady presence under center as he helped lead the Titans to the playoffs during his first three seasons with the franchise before injuries derailed his 2022 campaign.
