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5 moves the Patriots can make now that Tom Brady is gone

By Rucker Haringey

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - DECEMBER 08: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots looks on during the game against the Kansas City Chiefsat Gillette Stadium on December 08, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - DECEMBER 08: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots looks on during the game against the Kansas City Chiefsat Gillette Stadium on December 08, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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Jameis Winston, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Jameis Winston, Tampa Bay Buccaneers. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

4. Sign Jameis Winston

On the surface, Winston seems like the last player in the world Belichick would like to coach. That ignores the coach’s history of taking on other perceived “problem children” in the past. If Belichick was willing to bring in Antonio Brown last season, there’s no reason to think he would immediately dismiss the idea of signing Winston.

Winston also happens to be the most talented signal caller on this list. Yes, his off the field issues and propensity to throw the ball to the other team are huge red flags. It’s also true that he makes more than his fair share of exceptional throws when he’s given time to set his feet in the pocket.

Bringing in Winston to replace Brady would present Belichick with the biggest challenge of his coaching career. That’s something that will appeal to the future Hall of Fame coach. Part of him wants to show the world he can succeed without Brady on the roster. Turning Winston into a perennial Pro Bowler would silence anyone inclined to make the argument that Belichick wouldn’t have been great without Brady at quarterback.

The chances of New England rolling the dice on Winston may be small, but it’s also the highest upside move left available to them. Don’t be shocked if the Patriots believe they can fix Winston and turn him into a quality successor for Brady.

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