New England Patriots’ quarterback, Tom Brady is still questionable for the 2018 season. People believe that there’s no doubt that he will play this year, but they don’t know for sure if he will return. Brady is in his early 40s and is still playing like he’s in his 20s. He didn’t show up for the first week of the offseason program.
The five-time Super Bowl champion isn’t the only player that hasn’t shown up; Tight end Rob Gronkowski also missed the first week of the offseason program as well. There are questions that if he will return to the Patriots. But that’s not the only issue. Star receivers Brandin Cooks, Danny Amendola and running back Dion Lewis were traded and went to different teams. Now the real question is, who will the Patriots pick up in the draft to rebuild their offense?
Brady’s Situation
There’s no answer on who will take Brady’s place and at quarterback. He’s been in the NFL for 18 years and led the Patriots to five Super Bowl victories. Last season, he threw for 4,577 yards and 32 touchdowns; and he also won his third AP MVP award. Brady has a total of 66,159 passing yards and 99 touchdowns for his whole career.
It’s still questionable if he will return, therefore, The Patriots are making preparations on who they will pick up in the NFL draft. Of course, they have back up quarterback, Bryan Hoyer right behind Brady, who played with the San Fransisco 49ers last season. He threw for 1,245 yards and four touchdowns. Hoyer is a good quarterback, but he wouldn’t be able to replace Brady and continue his legacy. Hoyer is also the only back up since the Patriots traded away Jimmy Garappolo to the San Fransisco 49ers.
Will Gronk return?
The Patriots also need a back up tight end for Gronkowski just in case if he doesn’t come back. He is one of Brady’s favorite targets to throw to and is one of the best tight ends in the league. He has a combined total of 7,179 receiving yards and 76 touchdowns for his whole career.
It wouldn’t be a surprise if Gronk plays next year, but his ability to stay healthy is the main concern. He’s been to the hospital numerous times for surgery on his knee, ankle, forearm four times, and on his back three times. There’s no telling how much his body is willing to take for one more year, and he’s only 27.
What will the Patriots Need?
Gronk and Brady aren’t the only players that are missing. Star wide receivers, Amendola and Cooks both switched to different teams. Amendola denied the Patriot’s offer and signed with to the Miami Dolphins for the 2018-2019 season. Brandin Cooks has been traded to the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for two draft picks. These wide receivers were huge playmakers that were fast and able to leave defenders behind.
Dion Lewis, who was a huge weapon to New England’s run game, was not re-signed and left for the Tennessee Titans. On the day of the draft, the Patriots will need to pick up more receivers to strengthen their depth and an explosive running back. Since the Patriots have two first and second round picks, and a third-round pick, they have an opportunity to acquire as much young talented rookies to back up and replace them.
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