The Patriots have done pretty well developing backup quarterbacks periodically while Tom Brady takes care of the starting duties. It looks like they may be ready to do it again.
Several teams that need help at quarterback, including the Browns and Buccaneers, have reportedly shown interest in trading for backup quarterback Ryan Mallett. Greg  Bedard of The Boston Globe reports that “multiple teams” have called about Mallett, with Bedard’s sources saying “the odds are slightly stronger that Mallett [will be] dealt than kept by the Patriots.”
The Patriots drafted Mallett in 2011 in the third round out of Arkansas, and he hasn’t seen much action behind Brady. He took over the backup spot after Brian Hoyer was cut last year right before the regular season. Another backup, Matt Cassel, who filled in well when Brady was out with injury in 2008, was dealt to the Chiefs with linebacker Mike Vrabel for a No. 34 pick in 2009. Head coach Bill Belichick has also eschewed a third-string quarterback often and kept just two QBs on his roster with Brady starting.
New England is expected to pick another backup quarterback from this year’s crop, according to Bedard. While the draft has few top-tier passers, several capable quarterbacks are expected to be available in later rounds.
Bedard says the Patriots want something better than a third-round pick, while Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald says New England wants at least a second-rounder.
