Patriots ‘very optimistic’ about letting fans back into Gillette Stadium in 2021

The Patriots said in a letter to season ticket holders they are “very optimistic” about letting fans back into Gillette Stadium in 2021 – perhaps even a full house.

You can read the full letter via Ben Volin of the Boston Globe. The team expressed optimism about fans being able to attend Patriots games in the 2021 season. They sound less optimistic about Gillette being allowed to fill all 65,878 seats, but the possibility remains.

“As we look ahead to the 2021 season, we are very optimistic that we will have fans in the stands and hopeful that we will be able to do so at full capacity,” the letter reads in part.

The most important piece of information for season ticket holders is that the deadline to renew has been extended to June 1. The Patriots believe the Super Bowl, which safely hosted about 25,000 fans, has given them “great assurance” to execute their own reopening plan for Gillette Stadium. Even when they fully reopen, the Patriots will have new policies in place that “prioritize public health.”

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MORE: Quarterback Options For 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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