3 Long-Term QB Plays Patriots Can Make That Are Far Less Expensive Than Deshaun Watson

Fans in Foxborough have been buzzing ever since the rumor mill mentioned that Deshaun Watson could become the heir apparent to Tom Brady, who famously bolted for Tampa Bay in free agency.

The most glaring flaw in that potential marriage, however, is the fact that Bill Belichick hardly ever overpays for a player, regardless of their talent and value. There’s not much the six-time world champion loves more than draft capital, and the Patriots would likely have to give up a haul of picks (at the very least) for a perennial superstar like Watson. 

With that in mind, let’s highlight other cheaper signal callers that New England can turn to long-term instead of the disgruntled Houston Texans’ stud. 

3. Jacoby Brissett

Whether you agree with it or not, the Colts appear ready to roll out Philip Rivers as their starting quarterback in 2020 after signing the veteran in free agency. That leaves Jacoby Brisett's future in Indianapolis incredibly murky, and the Patriots should look to pounce. Belichick's familiarity with the 27-year-old is the most alluring nugget of this potential pairing. What's equally important, however, is the fact that Brissett doesn't turn the football over. In 38 career games (32 starts), the former third-round pick has registered just 13 interceptions compared to 31 touchdowns. Brissett isn't a sexy long-term play, but he knows New England's system and could be acquired for pennies on the dollar.

2. Derek Carr

At 28 years old, Carr has plenty of long-term appeal. After the Raiders landed Marcus Mariota in free agency, Carr's future with Las Vegas is as bleak as ever. The fact that Jon Gruden reportedly doesn't love coaching him speaks volumes to the idea that Carr's time with the organization has run its course. For his career (six seasons), the former second-round pick has tossed 143 TDs compared to just 62 INTs. Belichick could unleash a completely different monster in Carr and he'd come at a discount.

1. Tua Tagovailoa or Justin Herbert

The Patriots have the No. 23 overall pick in this year's draft, so the franchise would have to unload cornerback Stephon Gilmore (who might be traded anyway) and draft capital to squeak into the top five and land one of Tagovailoa or Herbert. Belichick is full of surprises, and we wouldn't be the least bit stunned if he decided to flip the draft upside down and trade up into the top five and select one of the undisputed top-three gunslingers. It would cost New England, but it makes perfect sense for the organization, which is at a crossroads at the QB position for the first time since the early 1990s.