The Patriots could look to make a serious splash
I once dubbed Kyler Murray, this former #1 over pick the future MVP of the league. Or was that Dr. Big Mac? It’s a little hazy. The reason for that was not necessarily because of my confidence in his ability to win, but the style of play was a pre cursor to what we now see across almost the entire league as. A sprawling display of athleticism. Not quite football. Which for the record, I hate. I’m a Brady decibel. I hold things like timing, route running, pre snap judgement as the hire power. Not 40 time. Sue me.
No one gives a shit what I think. The league has moved in the direction of athleticism because that’s how the entire sport has evolved. You know who is not cut out for that kind of play? Mac Jones, you say? Well, yes. But more so Bill Belichick. Give Mac Jones Tyreek Hill and Jalen Waddle. He’ll be okay. But, we’ve now confirmed Brady was the lynch pin for offensive success in New England not Belichick. Brady covered up for the poor talent evaluation or cheapness in free agency. Mac can not do that. Could Murray? He can certainly create more out of nothing than Mac. If the Patriots plan on trotting out an offense with fence posts for WRs and 20th century scheme then why would they need a smart QB? Get the prince of joysticks to come in and try to make chicken soup and out of chicken poop.
1. New England Patriots
This one is a no-brainer. The Patriots will boast a league-high $82.9 million in 2024 cap space, per Spotrac.
Nevertheless, 2023 will be a monumental year for his future with the Patriots. If he underperforms, the front office can be aggressive next offseason and target a big-name quarterback. Murray’s athleticism and speed give him a higher ceiling than Jones. If the Patriots want to move into contention, they could roll the dice and take a big swing by trading for Murray. SOURCE
The red flags on Murray are obvious.
He had a video game clause in his contract
His contract ($51 million cap hit. $35 million cash)
Coming off ACL tear
Not accurate
Tiny lil guy
These are all valid concerns, but the kid can play. He’s got a little bit of the “it” factor. You’re buying low so other than the contract, which can be re-negotiated, the assets shouldn’t be too bad. You run the chance of a new environment for a young man showing him his mistakes to learn from. Most importantly you put talent at the most important position on the field. What would it take to get him? Good question.
The Cardinals are supposedly not shopping him, but they area also actively tanking for Caleb Williams. The organization hates Murray and visa versa. Murray is coming off a bad year and ACL surgery. Patriots currently hold the 5th pick in the draft. That’s too high, but what about the 35th. Package your 2nd, maybe Mac Jones if the Cardinals like the idea of a bridge year for Caleb. Or maybe they miss out on Williams and just want rid of Murray so Mac is the answer. Whatever, toss on a couple future mid rounds and call it a day. The point is if a deal wants to get done in that league it gets done. Cardinals get Caleb and dump $230 million in salary and the Patriots get to stop playing offense like it’s 1989.
Patriots Cardinals
Kyler Murray 2024 2nd round pick
2025 3rd round pick
2025 6th round pick
Mac Jones????
For all those that play this game on the Brady scale, good luck. There will never be another Brady. Certainly not in New England. The QB position has changed. there is only one Patrick Mahomes. Teams can’t wait and tank and wait and tank and fail and pray for the franchise QB. The league is more wide open to succeed with out a top 5 QB than it has been in 20+ years.
If you’re the Patriots and Belichick is you’re guy for another 1-2 years I think it’s pretty obvious Mac Jones is not the answer. Belichick’s philosophy of stacking the offensive skill positions with sacks of potatoes just does not compliment a mediocore QB. But, a former Heisman Trophy winner with a cannon for and arm and little pipsqueak legs that move like the wind may just give them a chance.