Well, he is signed through next year (see contract details here), but I truly believe this preseason will go a long way toward determining Mallett’s future.
The hard part for him is that it’s likely Brady will take more preseason snaps than usual while trying to get used to his new receivers. So Mallett’s time could be limited.
Did we really see any great progression from him last preseason? Not really. Yup, he’s got a cannon for an arm, but it still seems like he’s struggling to develop some touch, and from the OTA reports it didn’t sound like he suddenly found it this offseason either.
It’s doubtful at this point the Pats are going to trade him any time before February 2014, and if they don’t trade him next offseason it will seriously reduce his potential value when he hits free agency in 2015. He wants to play well enough to motivate a team to trade for him, and then extend him like Chiefs did with Cassel.
If he has another average preseason, where he’s rocketing balls off receivers hands and into the 200s section of Gillette, teams will be scared off. Including the Patriots, and he’ll spend 2014 backing up Brady again, hoping someone gives him a decent free agent contract.
Overall, I think they must start loading up on QBs who might possibly replace Brady next offseason. I’d even be fine with a high round draft pick, since any high 2014 pick will come with a four-year contract that mirrors Brady’s years.
From what I’ve seen out of Mallett so far I don’t think he’s the heir-apparent, but he’ll have a big spotlight on him this preseason.
