Patriots 'Fit' To Sign Free Agent QB?

While the New England Patriots are expected to use their No. 3 overall pick in the NFL Draft to select a quarterback, they could add a veteran through free agency.

As a new era of New England Patriots football is underway with the hiring of Jerod Mayo to replace the legendary Bill Belichick as their new coach, much of the focus will turn toward building a roster. 

Where one of the biggest positions of focus will undoubtedly be at quarterback. While many expect the Patriots to use their No. 3 overall to find their next franchise guy, there is always the possibility that they will seek help from a veteran. 

A potential addition could be current Tennessee Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill, who, despite the Patriots not hiring his former coach Mike Vrabel to replace Belichick, has been named a "scheme fit."

Jan 7, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) rolls out against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the second half at Nissan Stadium. 

"The Patriots could take a new face of the franchise with the No. 3 overall pick," Bleacher Report's Ryan Fowler writes. "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."

With over $67 million in projected cap space for this offseason, according to OvertheCap, the Patriots have the room to add a quarterback via free agency, but is Tannehill the right choice?

If the Patriots are looking for a potential starter, better options could be had with a free agency class that could include current starting signal-callers like the Minnesota Vikings' Kirk Cousins and Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Baker Mayfield. 

However, if the Patriots are looking for a potential mentor and backup for their new franchise quarterback, Tannehill could play the role he did for Titans rookie Will Levis this past season. 

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Tannehill made just eight starts this season despite not being the Titans' first choice. In those snaps, Tannehill threw for 1,616 yards and four touchdowns with seven interceptions. 

While it seems more likely that the Patriots will use their high draft pick to find their next quarterback, bringing in a veteran like Tannehill, even for a backup role, could make sense.