Ranking the Quarterbacks Patriots Fans Would Like to See Succeed Tom Brady

The New England Patriots and their fans have to face the unavoidable reality that Tom Brady has decided to leave the organization after two decades of service, leaving them without a legit option to replace him at quarterback. The market isn't exactly full of desirable, long-term solutions, but the Patriots need to find an upgrade over Jarrett Stidham. The Patriots will turn over every stone looking for an option to replace him, though some are much more desirable than others

5. Andy Dalton

Cincinnati Bengals QB Andy Dalton / Andy Lyons/Getty Images

Dalton has surfaced in trade rumors, given how he is almost certainly not going to be back next year due to the expected selection of Joe Burrow for Cincinnati. Dalton doesn't have a high ceiling due to his limited arm talent, but he is an accurate thrower that is not going to put the ball in harm's way. If you have both of those traits, Bill Belichick and Josh McDaniels can at least work with you.

4. Jameis Winston

Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Jameis Winston / Michael Reaves/Getty Images

On the other end of the spectrum, Jameis Winston led the league in passing yards under Bruce Arians, but became the first QB to throw 30 interceptions in a season since Vinny Testaverde (also a Buccaneer) threw 35 in 1988. Winston has the arm talent to be a special quarterback, and New England could take him on in the hope that Belichick and McDaniels could help him break some of his bad tendencies.

3. Nick Foles

Jacksonville Jaguars QB Nick Foles / James Gilbert/Getty Images

How ironic would it be if Foles went from defeating Tom Brady in the Super Bowl to replacing him as New England's starting quarterback? With three years left on his deal, Foles would give the Patriots stability at the quarterback position. However, Foles was benched for Gardner Minshew after failing to win any of his four starts last season. New England is the best in the league at buying low and selling high, and Foles could be the next rehab project for Belichick.

2. A 2020 First-Round Pick

Utah State quarterback Jordan Love / Grant Halverson/Getty Images

The Patriots haven't used a first round pick on a quarterback since 1993, but that could change in 2020. Joe Burrow and Tua Tagovailoa are locks to go inside the Top 10, while Justin Herbert is more likely to go in that range than not. The Patriots have more than enough draft ammo to move up for Herbert, or they could stay at 23 and hope that toolsy Utah State gunslinger Jordan Love falls into their lap. Rather than explore an iffy veteran market, New England could hitch their wagon to a draft prospect.

1. Cam Newton

Carolina Panthers QB Cam Newton / Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images

The Panthers have already confirmed that Cam Newton is going to be playing elsewhere next season after announcing they are looking to trade him, while signing Teddy Bridgewater to a three-year contract. In terms of talent, Newton is far and away the top option available to replace Brady. However, his constant injury struggles and questionable accuracy could drive his price down a bit. The Pats, who aren't exactly in a position to get picky with quarterbacks, would be an ideal place for Cam to land given the creative offensive mind of McDaniels.