It was reported earlier that Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams agreed to a restructured deal to keep Stafford. This would shut down all the rumors that have circulated recently about the Rams moving on and possibly trading Stafford.
Most people expected this; however, many didn’t expect what ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported next.
It was then reported that the New York Giants, since they could not bring in Stafford, would now go to their next option: Aaron Rodgers. Yes, that is correct. It is reported that the Giants want Rodgers to stay in New York, but this time wearing blue and white.
This is very exciting news for Giants fans, but it could be disastrous news for the New England Patriots. The Patriots have the fourth overall pick in this year’s draft, right after the Giants, who pick third.
New England are not in the sweepstakes for a quarterback this year, so they are looking at other top prospects like two-way player Travis Hunter, defensive end Abdul Carter, and offensive lineman Will Campbell.
These are reported as New England’s top prospects for their first-round pick. However, they have the fourth pick, so this scenario could involve these three being off the board before their pick.
With Travis Hunter and Abdul Carter already rumored to be top-three picks, the Patriots need as many quarterbacks as possible to be drafted in the top three, which is very possible because all three teams picking before them do need quarterbacks.
However, if the Giants target Aaron Rodgers or even sign him, they will most likely select elsewhere with their third pick. The Giants have many holes and could use Hunter, Carter, or Campbell.
If Carter and Hunter go top two, which they absolutely could, and the Giants go after Rodgers, what better way for the Giants to welcome their new quarterback than by using their first-round pick on Campbell to protect Rodgers?
This would almost force the Patriots to trade down unless there is a prospect still available at four that they are confident in and, more importantly, that they are not reaching on.
Mason Graham, defensive tackle from Michigan, could be another option, but they would have to be in love with him as a prospect to take him at four.
Hopefully, this is not the scenario that unfolds, so the Patriots can have options and get one of their top guys. But if they are forced to trade down, teams will see this and likely offer less, knowing that the Patriots’ top guys are all off the board.
This offseason is already starting to heat up, so stay tuned to see what other twists and turns the Patriots will encounter.
