NFL Rumors: 5 Possible Tom Brady Replacements If Quarterback Leaves New England Patriots

The New England Patriots have to prepare for life without Tom Brady. The team wants to re-sign the greatest quarterback in history, but there’s a real chance he’s going to head elsewhere in free agency.

If Brady leaves, the Patriots will have several options. A few quality starters are unsigned for the 2020 NFL season. Other long-time starting signal callers could be available via trade.

Here’s a look at five possible replacements for Brady in New England.

Teddy Bridgewater

When Drew Brees announced his intention to re-sign with the New Orleans Saints, Bridgewater became one of the best quarterbacks expected to change teams in free agency. New Orleans will likely keep Taysum Hill as its backup signal caller as Bridgewater looks for a starting job on the open market.

The 27-year-old went 5-0 as a starter in Brees’ absence last season, throwing for 1,384 yards, nine touchdowns, two interceptions and a 99.1 passer rating. Bridgewater was last a full-time starter when he led the Minnesota Vikings to the playoffs in the 2015 season.

Andy Dalton

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport has named the Patriots as a possible suitor for Dalton, noting that it sounds like the Cincinnati Bengals will eventually trade the quarterback this offseason. Cincinnati is expected to take LSU quarterback Joe Burrow with the No.1 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. Dalton has one year and $17.5 million left on his contract.

Dalton went 2-11 in 2019, throwing for 3,494 yards, 16 touchdowns, 14 interceptions and a 78.3 passer rating. The veteran has averaged 3,800 yards, 23 touchdowns, 13 interceptions and an 87.5 passer rating in nine years as a starter.

Ryan Tannehill

Tannehill will arguably become the best quarterback in free agency if the Titans let him hit the open market. Tennessee could use the franchise tag on the 31-year-old, but the organization is also considering making a run at Brady. The Titans are given the best chance to sign Brady away from the Patriots.

Tannehill led the NFL with a 117.5 passer rating last season, throwing for 2,742 yards, 22 touchdowns and six interceptions in 10 starts and 12 games. In his previous six seasons with the Miami Dolphins, Tannehill never had a passer rating better than 93.5.

Marcus Mariota

New England is showing interest in Mariota, according to Pro Football Network’s Tony Pauline. The former No.2 overall pick lost his job as Tennessee’s starter after a 2-6 start to the season. The Titans are expected to have either Brady or Tannehill under center in Week 1.

Mariota had 1,203 passing yards, seven touchdowns, two interceptions and a 92.3 passer rating before being replaced by Tannehill. He had a winning record in each of the previous three seasons, though Mariota threw 24 touchdowns and 23 interceptions from 2017-2018.

Philip Rivers

The Los Angeles Chargers have agreed to part ways with Rivers, who’s headed into free agency for the first time in his 16-year career. The Indianapolis Colts and Tampa Bay Buccaneers are expected to be the top suitors for the 38-year-old after missing the playoffs. The Patriots had the NFL’s No.1 defense last season, potentially giving Rivers his best chance to finally reach the Super Bowl.

Rivers went 5-11 last season, throwing for 4,615 yards, 23 touchdowns, 20 interceptions and an 88.5 passer rating. He was a top-three MVP candidate one year prior with 32 touchdowns, 12 interceptions and a 105.5 passer rating.