The New England Patriots may bring in a new quarterback alongside first-year head coach Jerod Mayo, but it seems unlikely that Justin Fields will be their choice. Reports suggest that the current quarterback, Mac Jones, might not return for a fourth season. According to Karen Guregian, Mark Daniels, and Chris Mason of MassLive, the Patriots are planning to select a quarterback with their No. 3 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. However, Mayo mentioned that there are numerous scenarios being considered for the team’s quarterback situation.
Fields, who is 24 years old, could be traded in the coming weeks, especially since the Chicago Bears have the No. 1 and No. 9 overall picks in the upcoming draft. This gives them flexibility similar to what the Patriots have with Jones, allowing them to explore various options before deciding on a starting quarterback. Nevertheless, there are reasons why the Patriots should think twice before welcoming Fields:
1. Health concerns: Fields has missed several games over the past two seasons due to injuries, including a recent dislocated right thumb. His mobility adds an extra dimension to his game but raises questions about the sustainability of his playing style, especially given his injury history. This poses a significant risk, particularly for the Patriots, who are eager to find a reliable successor to Tom Brady.
2. Performance in Chicago: Fields hasn’t delivered standout performances since joining the league, with a modest touchdown-to-interception ratio and consistently low passing yardage rankings for the Bears. While his struggles could be partly attributed to a lackluster supporting cast, it’s uncertain whether he can excel in a different offensive system. His completion percentage also lags behind many other quarterbacks, including Chicago’s backup last season.
3. New England’s alternatives: The Patriots have multiple options to explore at quarterback, including drafting prospects like Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye, or Bo Nix. They could also consider short-term bridge options in free agency, such as Jacoby Brissett, Joe Flacco, or Ryan Tannehill, to mentor a rookie. While these options may not immediately catapult the Patriots back into contention, they provide more flexibility than relying solely on Fields.