NFL rumors: Patriots host top QB prospect, preparing for any scenario

The Patriots hosted one of the top quarterback prospects in the NFL Draft in case a Mac Jones replacement falls into their lap.

Much of the offseason in New England has been spent debating whether the Patriots and Mac Jones have a future together.

Bill Belichick is reportedly out on the quarterback as the future of the franchise. Jones’ name has been connected to trade rumors. And now, the Patriots are clearly keeping their options open in the NFL Draft.

Despite picking No. 14 overall, New England hosted Will Levis, the Kentucky quarterback who could be off the board in the Top 5 picks.

Ian Rapoport reported news of the visit, which took place on Wednesday, the last day for hosting NFL Draft prospects.

Patriots keep options open for drafting a QB to replace Mac Jones

The likelihood of the Patriots getting the chance to draft Levis feels low. Bryce Young and CJ Stroud are all but guaranteed to go off the board first, then it would be a question of teams taking Anthony Richardson or Levis.

The Colts, Lions, Raiders, Falcons, Titans and Jets could all look to land a quarterback like Levis before he got to No. 14, even if Richardson went ahead. And others could still trade up.

The fact that New England took the time to bring in Levis says they’re keeping their options open. It’s funny because that’s how they landed Jones in the first place. He was projected to go in the Top 5 of the 2021 NFL Draft but slid to the Patriots as Trevor Lawrence, Zach Wilson, Trey Lance and Justin Fields went ahead of him.

You never know what could happen in the draft. If Levis is still available, the Patriots won’t get caught picking a quarterback blind.