As the new NFL league year approaches, the New England Patriots are faced with a critical decision regarding their quarterback position. After a disappointing 4-13 season, the Patriots are determined to find an upgrade from their current rostered options, Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe, who both struggled in their limited performances.

Pro Football Focus graded both Jones and Zappe with identical scores of 52.2, placing them 36th out of 38 qualified quarterbacks. The Patriots' offense ranked 31st in expected points added per pass play, highlighting the need for improvement at the quarterback position.

With the upcoming free agency market, the Patriots have several avenues to explore. The most promising option is selecting a quarterback with the third overall pick in the upcoming draft, offering high upside for the team. However, they could also consider signing a win-now veteran, a high-upside reclamation project, or a backup/mentor to groom a rookie quarterback.

Among the notable external free agents, Kirk Cousins stands out as a win-now veteran. Although Cousins has been a proven producer with solid stats, his age of 35 and expected cost of $35-40 million APY make him an unlikely fit for the rebuilding Patriots. Another potential option is Baker Mayfield, who could bring immediate stability to the offense. However, Mayfield's strong connection to his current team, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, may result in a challenging price tag that New England might not be able to meet.

Russell Wilson of the Denver Broncos is another name that has surfaced, as he could become available if Denver decides to part ways with his costly contract. However, Wilson's recent struggles have raised concerns about his ability to be a game-changer. The Patriots must carefully consider whether a win-now quarterback is a reasonable solution considering the team's current roster.

Another approach the Patriots could take is rescuing a former prized asset and turning their career around, similar to what the Buccaneers did with Baker Mayfield. While Mac Jones could fit this description, the Patriots may prefer a reclamation project with superior physical tools that offer a higher ceiling for their offense.

One intriguing candidate for a potential trade is Justin Fields of the Chicago Bears, as he possesses remarkable physical talents but has struggled with consistency as a passer. The Patriots would need to be convinced that offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt can design an offense that maximizes Fields's strengths while mitigating his weaknesses. However, Fields should not be considered the primary plan for New England.

Lastly, the Patriots may opt for a more practical option by signing an experienced backup quarterback who can mentor a high draft pick and start games early in the 2024 season. Candidates like Jacoby Brissett and Joe Flacco make sense, as they have previous experience in the Patriots' system and can provide valuable support and guidance to a rookie.

In conclusion, while the Patriots may be tempted to make a bold move for an immediate upgrade at quarterback, the available options may not align with their rebuilding roster's needs. Instead, signing a veteran backup to serve as a short bridge and mentor to a high draft pick seems to be the most likely scenario for New England. As the new league year approaches, the Patriots must carefully assess their options to ensure they find the right quarterback to lead their team forward.