Howe: Patriots' Backup Plans At Quarterback If Brady Suspension Holds Up
BOSTON (CBS) --- In light of Tom Brady's looming suspension, Jeff Howe of The Boston Herald joined Toucher & Rich to discuss what the Patriots might do with the backup quarterback position.
Howe believes that New England would be wise to select a quarterback in this week's NFL Draft, considering the team will most likely eventually trade Jimmy Garoppolo down the road.
"I think they probably should have anyway just because they have to at least try to trade Jimmy Garoppolo. When you have an asset like that, a guy who could very well could be the best backup quarterback in the league and with his age, that makes him a tradeable commodity," said Howe.
Howe thinks that Michigan State's Connor Cook could be a good fit in New England, if he falls.
"If a guy like Connor Cook does slip, a guy from a pro-style offense and comes from a program that's turned out pro-ready quarterbacks, do you start to think of that in the second round?" asked Howe.
Another avenue the Patriots might explore is the free-agent quarterback market, which includes names such as Brian Hoyer and Matt Flynn.
While there have been plenty of rumors swirling about a Hoyer reunion, Howe doesn't see it as a likely scenario.
"I think Brian Hoyer legitimately wants a chance to go out and win a starting job," said Howe. "You want a guy who's good injury insurance."
Howe believes the Patriots shouldn't be worried this season. They already have the best backup quarterback in football in Jimmy Garoppolo.
"Why do I believe he's the best backup quarterback in football? You look at the age, the draft pedigree, and from what I've seen, continuous, rapid improvement in practice," said Howe.
Adding another quarterback would just be protection past the month of September.
Listen to the full interview below:
