The offseason signs all point to the arrival of a new franchise quarterback for the New England Patriots.
First, they cut ties with former first-round draft pick Mac Jones, sending the quarterback to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Next, New England signed veteran Jacoby Brissett. Returning to the team that drafted him at No. 91 overall in 2016, the 31-year-old Brissett brings stability to the position as a bridge quarterback.
Now, it's up to Patriots' brass to identify the future franchise quarterback and use the No. 3 overall draft pick to secure his services. Sports Illustrated senior writer Albert Breer's latest report suggests New England is trying to make it happen.
Citing sources, Breer said a three-person Patriots' contingent is on the ground at USC's Pro Day on Wednesday to evaluate Caleb Williams, who has been projected as the No. 1 choice amongst a strong quarterback class.
Following the stop in Southern California, de facto general manager Eliot Wolf, offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt and quarterbacks coach TC McCartney will reportedly attend Friday's Michigan Pro Day. Head coach Jerod Mayo is expected to join the trio to watch rising prospect JJ McCarthy.
Breer said the intention is for all four sets of eyes to be present next week at LSU and North Carolina Pro Days. Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels has been a popular pick for the Patriots across multiple notable mock drafts.
NFL.com's Daniel Jeremiah paired Daniels with New England in the third edition of his projections. North Carolina's Drake Maye was unavailable to the Patriots, having gone to the Washington Commanders at No. 2 overall. The first four players off the board were all quarterbacks in Jeremiah's latest simulation.
With a franchise-defining decision looming, the Patriots are doing their homework on the top-four quarterback prospects. They'll have the chance to choose between two of them when making their first-round selection on draft night in Detroit.
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