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Robert Kraft: Patriots must get QB position 'solidified'

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 3/31/21

One-time NFL Most Valuable Player Cam Newton returned to the New England Patriots for a second season on a one-year contract that could be worth slightly less than $14 million but, as ESPN's Mike Reiss noted, doesn't guarantee Newton will be New England's QB1 by the time Week 1 of the 2021 campaign rolls around.

Owner Robert Kraft spoke with reporters on Wednesday and offered defenses of Newton and fellow quarterback Jarrett Stidham but, per Tom Curran of NBC Sports Boston, admitted the club must strengthen the sport's most important position:

From @PhilAPerry has team invested enough in QB position for it to be "enough" ? Kraft: "We have a situation where at this point in time we're trying to do what the best thing for us is. Not sure Cam had proper weapons around him. Not sure Jarrett hasn't really gotten fair shot..
— Tom E. Curran (@tomecurran) March 31, 2021

KRAFT: "this isn't something where you get algebraic formulas. Think of all the people who passed on Tom Brady. One way or another have to get that position solidified."
— Tom E. Curran (@tomecurran) March 31, 2021

The Patriots had been linked with Alabama Crimson Tide signal-caller Mac Jones in mock drafts, but that was before the San Francisco 49ers traded up to the third overall pick. CBS Sports' Pete Prisco has Jones falling to the Patriots at No. 15 in his latest mock, while Ryan Wilson is predicting New England will draft North Dakota State Bison product Trey Lance. Josh Edwards, meanwhile, thinks the Patriots could trade up for Jones.

Many believe each of the top-tier to-be rookie quarterbacks available on April 29 will be off the board before the Patriots can make a pick unless they're willing to part with a boatload of assets to move up into the top-10 spots of the draft order.

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