It actually is going to happen — Tom Brady will not be the Patriots' quarterback in 2020 and he will be playing for another team.
Besides all the reflecting of how Brady, Bill Belichick and Robert Kraft got to this point, the next thing to be discussed is how will the Patriots replace the greatest quarterback of all time?
And based on what is in front of them, it isn't going to be a big name.
After all the moves they have made over the last several days, the Patriots have roughly $8 million in salary cap space, and that includes the $13.5 million in dead cap space attached to Brady since he's signing elsewhere.
That means one of the bigger name free agents — Teddy Bridgewater, Jameis Winston, etc. — is likely not even feasible.
At the moment, the discussion starts with Jarrett Stidham. The Auburn product who the Patriots drafted in the fourth round last year has very, very limited experience in games, but reportedly did well in practices last year giving the team hope for the future.
The question Belichick and Co. will have to ask themselves is, is he ready to start Week 1 in 2020?
Based on everything we know and have heard, there's some uncertainty, so it's likely the Patriots will go out and add another player to he mix -- someone with actual experience, but at a low price.
Who could that be?
Names of potential free agents who could be considered are Blake Bortles, Trevor Siemian, Chase Daniel, Matt Moore, Blaine Gabbbert and Mike Glennon. With Marcus Mariota, Case Keenum and AJ McCarron agreeing to deals Monday, the list isn't very appealing at all.
Cody Kessler seems to be in the same category as these quarterbacks, but is already under contract with the Patriots. Could Belichick just roll with Stidham and Kessler? It's unlikely, but it at least needs to be considered given what is currently available.
Another option is a potential trade.
There were several trades in the league on Monday, so perhaps the Patriots could find a team willing to part ways with a veteran QB where there's a younger player in place. Two names that come to mind are Andy Dalton and Nick Foles. Now, there would obviously be a cost to get them (likely a mid-round pick), but also their contracts. The Patriots would likely need them to restructure so there would still be money available to go out and get them some weapons. After all, the Patriots need help at wide receiver and tight end.
Belichick is not afraid to make a deal, so this option should never be ruled out.
And lastly, there's the draft. But, they just drafted Stidham last year. Does it really make sense to go with two young quarterbacks and hope one works out? Not really. That would be a big gamble. Unless there's a player the organization is absolutely sold on being Brady's replacement, it doesn't seem like the answer is this route.
At the end of the day, it feels like the Patriots will be going with Stidham and a veteran quarterback on a minimum contract. And it may not be until April until we know who that player is, as Belichick likely will let the chips fall and see what is available when prices are extremely low.
If Stidham is ready to start Week 1, great, but if not there's an alternative in place.
Regardless, the Patriots offense is going to look a lot different than it has for the last 20 years.
