Tom Brady as Successor
If the New England Patriots move on from quarterback Mac Jones and sign Baker Mayfield in 2024, that means Mark Wahlberg got his prediction correct twice over.
Mark Wahlberg predicted that Baker Mayfield, the former Cleveland Browns quarterback, would one day replace Tom Brady, the former Patriots quarterback.
However, Mayfield ended up replacing Brady with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this year. Some sports analysts have suggested that New England could be a potential destination for Mayfield in 2024, considering he is a pending free agent and a viable starting quarterback option.
Mayfield’s NFL career has been marked by challenges, including changes in coaching staff and offensive coordinators during his time with the Browns.
Despite these obstacles, he led the Browns to their only playoff win since 1994. In his current stint with the Buccaneers, Mayfield has shown improvement, throwing seven touchdowns to three interceptions in five games while averaging 6.7 yards per attempt.
However, some experts view him as a bridge option for teams looking to develop a younger quarterback, especially when supported by a strong offensive line and star wide receivers like Chris Godwin and Mike Evans.
Patriots Could Pursue Mike Evans Along With Baker Mayfield
If the Patriots pursue Mayfield, Evans could come along as a package deal.
Evans has a year left on his deal with the Bucs, and the two sides didn’t reach an agreement on an extension by his agent’s deadline before Week 1. While Evans has been adamant about finishing his career with the Bucs, he publicly accepts the business aspect of the NFL.
New England would need to spend big to bring in both Mayfield and Evans, and the Patriots need an upgrade at receivers with Kendrick Bourne as the top performer this season. The Patriots will have one of the better salary cap situations in 2024, but the organization will need to change its trajectory on spending.
Not Paying Stars Big is Costing the Patriots
If the Patriots bring in Baker Mayfield and Mike Evans, it could potentially accelerate the team’s rebuilding process and put them back into playoff contention. Tom Brady, during his time in New England, never signed a massive contract, and the Patriots had opportunities, like pursuing star wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, to support their young quarterback, Mac Jones. However, the Patriots missed out on those opportunities.
With Mayfield and Evans on board, the Patriots could have a stronger offense to complement their stout defense. Mayfield, as a veteran quarterback, brings experience and leadership, while Evans, a star wide receiver, adds firepower to the team’s passing game.
The Buccaneers, Mayfield’s former team, are currently competitive in the NFC South, showcasing the potential of their roster.
New England entered the 2023 season with high hopes for an improved offense, but Jones has faced challenges, and the team has struggled on that front.
A new-look offense with Mayfield and Evans, supported by a solid defense, could make a significant difference for the Patriots in the 2024 season.
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