This Patriots-Giants Draft Day Blockbuster Trade Would Allow New England to Replace Tom Brady With Tua Tagovailoa
By Mark Powell
The 2020 NFL Draft is expected to be as unpredictable as ever, per many in the know. So, while Bill Belichick appears content with Jarrett Stidham as QB1, we shouldn't take him at his word.
The step down from Tom Brady to Stidham requires a ladder of some kind, and the Patriots should be all-in on moving up if the opportunity presents itself. In not-so-subtle terminology, Dave Gettleman gave the Pats an out.
The Giants are open to hearing trade offers for their No. 4 overall pick, conveniently placed just before the Dolphins and Chargers, two QB-needy teams. The Patriots have found their opening.
?️ @PFF_Sam: Imagine if the Patriots went from Brady to Tua
— PFF (@PFF) April 17, 2020
?️ @PFF_Eric: Patriots should trade for O.J. Howard
?️ @SolomonsWisdom: Justin Herbert has far too many negatively graded throwspic.twitter.com/fIE1uGuWx4
Tua Tagovailoa's medical history is choppy, but he's apparently in good health ahead of next week's showcase. If the Patriots truly are enamored with the former Crimson Tide QB, the Giants are willing to listen.
The first step of any trade would be convincing Joe Thuney, a stud OL currently on the franchise tag, to sign a long-term deal contingent on a move to New York. The Giants need help up front, and Thuney would bring great leadership and can be counted on, as he's started every game since his rookie season. He's also just 27.
On top of this, the Patriots would swap firsts, and part ways with a second and sixth-round selection. Given they own 12 picks, the Pats can afford to part with a few.
Could the Patriots be a sleeper team that moves up grab QB Tua Tagovailoa? A possible smooth transition from Tom Brady to Tua would be enticing. They’d need to give a haul to the #Lions for the opportunity https://t.co/n0UAkUEvth
— PFF DET Lions (@PFF_Lions) April 16, 2020
In Josh McDaniels' system, Tagovailoa could thrive. Such a trade makes sense for both sides, assuming New England is actually looking to move up.