NFL Rumors: Patriots Target Mariota In Case Brady Walks

There is no telling if the New England Patriots have a lock on Tom Brady. If the many-time Super Bowl champion quarterback does walk, it would create a huge void at the position. With that in the air, it may be best for the Pats to consider available quarterbacks moving forward. One name that has cropped up is Marcus Mariota.

Mariota is expected to become a free agent soon and the Pats are interested, Pro Football Network reported. However, New England is not the only one interested in the former first-round pick. The Indianapolis Colts also have Mariota on their radar and the number of NFL teams courting him should grow once he hits the market.

As previously reported, the Chicago Bears is another team that could pursue the 26-year-old. With Mitchell Trubisky still trying to live up to expectations, taking in the former Heisman Trophy winner makes sense. The Bears are cash-strapped, meaning landing a high-profile quarterback may be tough. But with that in mind, the Pats or even the Colts could offer a better package.

As for the Patriots, the only thing out in the open when it comes to Tom Brady is that they are willing to offer the 42-year-old a yearly contract worth $30 million. However, the Las Vegas Raiders upped the stakes and are willing to offer the four-time Super Bowl MVP a two-year deal worth $60 million, NBC Sports reported. Doing the math, the contract price per season boils down to $30 million a year. But it appears Brady wants the security of tenure or a longer contract. At his age, it is understandable since he is looking out for his financial well-being.

Brady has been advised by several NFL personalities to seriously think about his next move. Playing for another team will not be easy especially at his ripe age. Though Brady says he wants to play until he is 45, the fact remains that adjustment periods could waste his time. Worse, it could end up with him playing as a quarterback if some young player is more effective during an NFL season.

Hence, the Patriots could agree to a two-year deal for Brady with team owner Robert Kraft openly saying he wants the three-time NFL MVP back in the fold. But if he holds out, skimming the market for other younger quarterbacks would be the best alternative. They are bound to reach that point to find one so getting one now would be a wise idea.