Patriots Have Considered Signing An Extra Quarterback, But Pickings Are Slim

FOXBORO, Mass. — With Tom Brady set to begin his Deflategate suspension in a few weeks, the New England Patriots currently employ just two quarterbacks who will be eligible to play in the first four weeks of the regular season.

Patriots coach Bill Belichick said Sunday the team has considered shoring up the QB position by signing a free agent to join third-year pro Jimmy Garoppolo and rookie Jacoby Brissett on the depth chart.

“We’ve talked about it, but we’re where we’re at,” Belichick said. “We are where we’re at right now.”

Belichick went on to note the lack of quality quarterbacks currently available on the open market, and he’s correct in that assessment. The likes of Charlie Whitehurst, Josh Freeman and Jimmy Clausen headline the list of unsigned QBs.

“I don’t know that there are a lot of Hall of Fame players just sitting out there not on any team right now,” Belichick said.

The Patriots signed veteran Ryan Lindley last summer, but they cut him after the final preseason game and played out the entire season with just two quarterbacks — Brady and Garoppolo — on their roster.

Thumbnail photo via Winslow Townson/USA TODAY Sports Images