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The most burning question in recent NFL history moved a step closer to being answered on Tuesday, when Tom Brady announced he will not be returning to the New England Patriots.
"Although my football journey will take place elsewhere, I appreciate everything that we have achieved and am grateful for our incredible TEAM accomplishments," Brady wrote in an Instagram post.
Brady has spent his entire career with the Patriots, winning six Super Bowls and reaching a further three during 20 years in New England, since being selected with the 199th pick of the 2000 NFL draft.
Patriots owner Rob Kraft had hoped the 42-year-old would end his career with the franchise, but explained Brady had earned his right to test the open market and leave New England after two decades.
"Tommy initiated contact last night and came over," he was quoted as saying by ESPN.
"We had a positive, respectful discussion. It's not the way I want it to end, but I want him to do what is in his best personal interest. After 20 years with us, he has earned that right. I love him like a son."
With Brady gone, who could Patriots head coach Bill Belichick turn to?
Teddy Bridgewater—Free agent
The New Orleans Saints went 5-0 last season when Bridgewater replaced the injured Drew Brees. The 27-year-old looked completely recovered from the serious knee injury that almost derailed his career four years ago.
An accurate quarterback—last season he completed a career-best 67.9 percent of his passes, averaging 7.1 yards per attempt and had nine touchdowns to just two interceptions—Bridgewater is a free agent and may not fancy returning to New Orleans, where he would be a back-up to Brees for at least another season and where his role could also be threatened by the emergencee of Taysom Hill.
Andy Dalton—Cincinnati Bengals
Even before the Patriots' season ended against the Tennessee Titans in the playoffs in January, Dalton had been mentioned as a possible replacement for Brady, should the six-time Super Bowl champion leave New England.
With the Cincinnati Bengals set to draft reigning Heisman Trophy winner Joe Burrow with the first overall pick in the NFL draft next month, Dalton's era in Ohio looks to be coming to an end. A solid quarterback, the 32-year-old has averaged 3,510 passing yards, 22.6 touchdowns and 13.1 interceptions during his nine seasons in the NFL, all of which were spent as a starter.
A three-time Pro Bowler, Dalton has never won a playoff game in his career and is under contract through to the end of next season, which makes him a perfect stop-gap for the Patriots.
Cam Newton—Carolina Panthers
The Panthers were firmly in rebuilding mode at the NFL Scouting Combine at the beginning of the month, but general manager Marty Hurney has since told Yahoo Sports that the team has moved towards a "mixed reboot" as opposed to a complete rebuild.
However, the Panthers made Newton available for a trade shortly after Brady revealed he would leave New England, indicating his nine-year spell in Carolina would come to an end this offseason.
At his best, the first overall pick of the 2011 draft is one of the best dual threat quarterbacks in the league and a genuine game changer. Fitness, however, has hampered the former MVP in the last two seasons and Newton missed the last two games of the 2018 season with a shoulder injury and was shut down after two weeks last season after suffering a Lisfranc fracture.
Aside from 2008 when he suffered a season-ending injury in Week 1, Brady started 283 of the 285 games he played for the Patriots and New England coach Bill Belichick may be reluctant to turn towards a quarterback who's been slowed down by injuries over the last two years
Jameis Winston—Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Winston led the NFL in passing yards with 5,109 and set a franchise record with 33 touchdowns. Unfortunately for him, he also threw 30 interceptions and the Bucs' patience with him appears to have all but evaporated.
Tampa Bay coach Bruce Arians was non-committal last month when asked whether Winston would be brought back and with the Bucs favorite to land Tom Brady his future appears decided.
Could Bill Belichick turn Winston into an elite quarterback?
Philip Rivers—Free agent
It may seem counterintuitive to move from a veteran quarterback to another, but Rivers could prove to be the best ready-made option available to the Patriots. The 38-year-old ended a 16-year stay with the Los Angeles Chargers last month and has thrown for over 4,000 yards in each of the last seven seasons.
Rivers has held discussions with the Indianapolis Colts and remains a coveted player by teams looking for a quarterback. On the other hand, he threw 20 interceptions last season and finished 22nd in QBR and his declining mobility could put off any potential suitors, unless he can find a team with a strong offensive line.
About the writer
Dan Cancian is currently a reporter for Newsweek based in London, England. Prior to joining Newsweek in January 2018, he ... Read more