Firstly, Wilson’s performance as a quarterback in Denver hasn’t been up to par. Although statistics don’t capture the whole picture, Wilson ranked 21st and 27th in QBR during his two seasons with the team. A closer examination of his gameplay reveals even more deficiencies.
Wilson’s trademark ability to extend plays, which was instrumental during his time in Seattle, has diminished at 35 years old, as his mobility has declined. Consequently, he has been sacked frequently, with little benefit from his running game compared to his earlier years. This is a departure from his 2014 form when he balanced high sack counts with significant rushing yardage.
From the perspective of the Patriots, Wilson doesn’t align with their strategy of developing a rookie quarterback under the guidance of a veteran mentor. Reports of Wilson’s unconventional behavior as a teammate in Seattle, such as blocking cell phone numbers and using the coach as a mediator, raise concerns about his suitability as a mentor. Additionally, his acquiescence to being benched in Denver to avoid contract vesting didn’t prompt any protests from the Broncos, suggesting a lack of leadership qualities. Consequently, he wouldn’t be an ideal figure to shepherd a rookie into the league.
Furthermore, it’s questionable why Wilson would choose to join the rebuilding Patriots. The prospect of assuming a placeholder quarterback role and the team’s lack of offensive weapons make it an unappealing option from his standpoint.
In summary, despite Wilson’s past success with the Legion of Boom teams in Seattle, he doesn’t fulfill the criteria for the Patriots’ plans in the 2024 season.
Regarding Michael Onwenu’s potential contract, I estimate it could range from a three-year, $48 million deal to a four-year, $60 million deal. Given Onwenu’s significance to the team and his position being a critical need, the Patriots are likely to prioritize re-signing him. Testimonials from Jerod Mayo and Eliot Wolf at the NFL Combine affirm his importance to the team’s future.
As for Alex Van Pelt’s offensive background, he comes from the West Coast offense tradition. While he operated Kevin Stefanski’s run-heavy scheme with the Browns, he’ll likely adapt it to suit the Patriots’ needs. While there will be similarities to previous Patriots offenses, it’s expected to be notably different under Van Pelt’s direction.
Regarding the quarterback situation, there’s a possibility that Bailey Zappe might make it onto the Week 1 roster over Mac Jones. However, Zappe may face competition from Nathan Rourke for a third-string role, assuming the Patriots draft a rookie quarterback to pair with a veteran.
In terms of free agency, the Patriots are likely to pursue top-tier players initially but may settle for mid-range options if necessary. Despite preferences for an experienced coaching and front office setup and better grades on the NFLPA report card, the Patriots’ financial prowess could still attract quality players, simplifying the decision-making process.