Patriots linked with Browns, Commanders veteran QBs

There's yet another sign that individuals within the New England Patriots think that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers won't lose quarterback Baker Mayfield to free agency later this month. 

According to Kevin Harrish of The Comeback, ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter explained during a Monday appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show" that "the first two names that come to my mind" regarding veteran quarterback options for the Patriots are Jacoby Brissett of the Washington Commanders and Joe Flacco of the Cleveland Browns. 

Current New England offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt previously held that job in Cleveland and has experience working with both Brissett and Flacco. Brissett made 11 starts under Van Pelt during the 2022 season as Cleveland QB1 Deshaun Watson served a suspension related to accusations of sexual misconduct during massage sessions. More recently, Flacco and Van Pelt helped the 2023 Browns earn a playoff berth, as the Super Bowl XLVII Most Valuable Player won four of five regular-season starts. 

Just last week, Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer linked Flacco with New England. The reigning Associated Press Comeback Player of the Year turned 39 years old in January but nevertheless is looking to join a club that would let him enter September as a starter, while the Patriots are expected to part ways with 2021 first-round draft pick Mac Jones this offseason.

Mayfield reportedly "has supporters from within the Patriots' organization" but appears close to re-signing with Tampa Bay. The Buccaneers have until 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday to retain one player's rights for 2024 via the franchise tag.

New England possesses the third overall selection in this year's draft and could target a quarterback such as Jayden Daniels of the LSU Tigers, Drake Maye of the North Carolina Tar Heels or J.J. McCarthy of the Michigan Wolverines. It's also thought the Patriots could move down in the draft order, acquire additional assets and still end up with a rookie signal-caller such as McCarthy or Michael Penix Jr. of the Washington Huskies. 

Either Brissett or Flacco could be a bridge option at the position and a mentor for a rookie unless new Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo lets a first-year pro compete for the starting job during summer workouts and preseason games. New England wouldn't need to spend a high draft pick on a quarterback if the club signed Mayfield, but it seems like he's one former Browns starter who won't be available for the Patriots anytime soon.