Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk reported on “Sunday Night Football” that the Patriots consider signing a free agent quarterback to be a “last resort” and would instead prefer to go with Julian Edelman as their No. 2 option like they did last week.
“Signing another quarterback is regarded, as I’m told, a last resort for the Patriots because, No. 1 they don’t want to have to cut somebody to create a roster spot for a quarterback, but No. 2 they actually would prefer to go with a Julian Edelman, even though he hasn’t played quarterback since college, because he knows the offense inside and out,” Florio said, via NESN.com. “You bring someone in who hasn’t been on the team, that person is going to have to get up to speed and have a limited knowledge and understanding of the playbook. So, they are comfortable, if they have to, going with Julian Edelman. But goal No. 1 is to get either Garoppolo or Brissett ready for next Sunday.”
On Sunday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reported that the Patriots are still uncertain as to who will be starting at quarterback in Week 4’s game against the Bills. Schefter did, however, say that the Patriots are hopeful and confident they will have at least, and possibly two, of their starting quarterbacks available next week.
New England still wants to see how Jimmy Garoppolo is faring with his sprained AC joint, but he is “definitely is making progress,” according to Schefter.
As for rookie Jacoby Brissett, Schefter says that they still want to see how his thumb injury responds, but there’s a “realistic chance” he’ll be available next Sunday as well.
A Patriots source tells Schefter there’s a decent chance they’ll have at least one of those quarterbacks available in Week 4.
If the Patriots need to sign a quarterback next week, Schefter says they’ll likely bring in T.J. Yates, who visited New England last week and try to get him up to speed.
If New England can get through this week, they’ll get Tom Brady back from suspension for the remainder of the season.
It’s worth mentioning that Edelman played quarterback in college at Kent State before converting to wide receiver in the NFL.
We’ll have more regarding the Patriots’ plans at quarterback for this week as the news is available.
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