Marcus Mariota continues to be one of the free-agent quarterbacks mentioned most often in Patriots rumors. One of the team’s top insiders predicted that he’s headed to Foxboro.

Field Yates of ESPN remains one of the most prominent reporters in the country on the Patriots, so any speculation he publishes is likely well-informed. Even if it’s a bold prediction, a prediction from one of the top national football reporters carries more weight than, say, a random nerd on a radio station website.

So when Yates predicts that Mariota will be the next starting quarterback for the Patriots, it’s hard not to listen. Here’s how Yates explained his own prediction at ESPN.com:

The Patriots are among a group of teams that are too far from the top of the draft order to be a likely landing spot for the top-draft-prospect quarterbacks, meaning we’re examining other veteran options who could be logical fits. While a Cam Newton return isn’t totally ruled out, it’s an unlikely option. The 27-year-old Mariota is under contract for one more year with the Raiders but carries a cap charge of $10.725M, an unlikely tab for them to pay for a backup in a cap-tightened year. … Be it via a trade or cut, Mariota could find a new home this offseason … and the Patriots are a logical fit.

MORE: Who’s left at quarterback for 2021 Patriots?

We’ll be sure to keep you updated with the latest news and rumors regarding quarterback movement in the NFL, especially as it relates to the Patriots. There are still plenty of shoes left to drop. In the meantime, you can hear my thoughts on the offseason along with Alex Barth in the below podcast from 98.5 The Sports Hub.

MORE: Free-Agent Quarterbacks And Trade Options For The 2021 Patriots

• Jimmy Garoppolo

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  Duh. Jimmy G should be at the top of everyone’s list for realistic or probable quarterback options for the Patriots - even if it means a trade. Bill Belichick should have to give up a package closer to the Carson Wentz trade than Matthew Stafford to get back his original successor for Tom Brady. Durability is an issue, but Garoppolo should remain a great fit for the Pats.

• Dak Prescott

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  It would be unprecedented if Belichick spent as much on a quarterback as he would need to for Prescott. But we’re talking about an excellent fit for the Patriots and their franchise guy for a decade, assuming he’s the same player after his ankle injury. Belichick could afford Prescott and wouldn’t need to give up draft capital, but it’s more likely the Patriots take a less expensive route.

• Derek Carr

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  It feels like forever ago when Carr was an MVP candidate as he led the Raiders to a 12-3 record with strong passing numbers. He’s been an efficient passer and would likely manage the Patriots offense well. But has he proven enough to be confident he can win? The Patriots would need to continue to improve the team around Carr to become a legitimate contender.
• QB Mitchell Trubisky

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  This is a Belichick kind of free agent. Trubisky’s stock is down after entering the NFL as the No. 2 overall pick. He hasn’t made enough plays or shown nearly enough consistency throwing the ball to emerge as a franchise quarterback. Belichick might love the challenge of making Trubisky the player he was meant to be. But if the Patriots go this route, they’d better have a good plan B.

• Marcus Mariota

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  The former Titans quarterback looked solid in his one start for the Raiders in 2020. He’s had a bit of bad luck cycling through three coaches and five (!) different offensive coordinators, so some stability could do him some good. He’d be relatively cheap to acquire. The concern with Mariota is that he may not be good enough to elevate everyone else around him, so better weapons would be imperative.

• QB Jacoby Brissett

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  Like Garoppolo, the familiarity is a big plus for Brissett. He had flashes of success as the starter for the Colts. Brissett is at least competent throwing the football, so he’d certainly be an improvement over Cam Newton. But ideally, he would be paired with a high draft pick in the QB room. It shouldn't take much to sign him, either.
• Ryan Fitzpatrick

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  Like with Brissett and others, if Fitzpatrick signs with the Patriots the ideal situation is to pair him with a rookie first-round pick. You start with Fitzpatrick, get a little FitzMagic out of him, and hopefully the kid is ready to go once Fitzpatrick goes in the tank. This type of scenario is becoming more probable as the offseason goes on.

Matt Dolloff is a writer and podcaster for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Yell at him on Twitter @mattdolloff and follow him on Instagram @mattydsays. You can also email him at mdolloff@985thesportshub.com.

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