As everyone turns the page from head-scratching Super Bowl loss to the offseason, the focus is becoming increasing clearer that the expectation is the Patriots must draft Tom Brady‘s successor in a couple months.
Last year, we knew we were likely headed into the last season of the Brady-Jimmy Garoppolo duo, and barring something catastrophic, it was likely that Garoppolo would end up elsewhere. What we didn’t know, and should have, was that Garoppolo would be hung around the Patriots’ and their fan’s necks for the rest of his career. The questions of how much compensation the Pats should’ve gotten, of whether getting rid of Brady a few years early to get another 10 with Garoppolo was worth it, and so on.
As Patriots fans we’re stuck with Jimmy Garoppolo and his “woulda/coulda” relationship with the Patriots. But it’s not quite as bad as what is coming down the pike for the poor rookie signal caller who will be saddled with not only being the heir apparent to Brady but also have his career constantly compared to what Garoppolo does in San Francisco. The weight of those implications must be seriously considered by the Patriots.
Drafted quarterbacks are no strangers to pressure, especially when they’re taken high in the draft and immediately dubbed a franchise savior. The Patriots draftee will be in a different position, but one that will be almost more difficult.
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