5 moves the Patriots can make now that Tom Brady is gone
1. Trade for Andy Dalton
Think of Dalton as a poor man’s version of Brady. Neither quarterback makes a ton of plays with their legs, but both can really pick apart opposing defenses when they are given a comfortable pocket to throw from.
That’s why the Patriots should be rushing to the phones to engage Bengals officials in trade talks. Cincinnati is clearly going to draft Joe Burrow with the No. 1 overall pick in the draft. That means Dalton is very available to any team willing to offer meaningful draft compensation for his services.
Flipping a day two pick for a starting quarterback would be excellent business for New England. Dalton can come right in and keep things headed in the right direction for the Patriots. He’s an established starter that won’t make any waves. Both qualities should really appeal to Belichick.
Bringing in Dalton isn’t the sexiest move available to the Patriots, but it’s got the right combination of high certainty and solid upside. Most importantly, he just feels like a player Belichick would enjoy coaching. Look for him to make the move to New England if Bengals officials are being realistic with their trade demands.