New England Patriots free agency 2021: Top 5 targets

1. Ryan Fitzpatrick

The Patriots should absolutely draft their quarterback of the future this April. They should, however, sign their 2021 starter in free agency. Fitzpatrick likely represents the best veteran player New England can hope to acquire absent a trade.

His eccentric personality may seem to be at odds with Belichick, but he’s just the sort of gamer the Patriots’ coach wants to go to war with on a weekly basis. On top of that, Fitzpatrick’s ability to conjure big plays out of nothing will give the New England offense the sort of juice it needs to power them into playoff contention.

Fitzpatrick won’t be anxious to commit himself to another quarterback controversy. That’s why landing in New England could be particularly appealing to him. They will need a guy who can handle the starting job for at least one full season. That’s the most assurance Fitzpatrick is going to get from anyone.

Giving Fitzpatrick a two-year deal at around $8 million per season would represent a good compromise between the free agent and his team. Don’t be surprised if Belichick and Fitzpatrick become the NFL’s version of the odd couple in 2021.