Despite their high pick in the upcoming draft, the New England Patriots are probably on the lookout for an experienced quarterback. Baker Mayfield of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is said to be in their sights

Although the New England Patriots are in possession of the number three pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, they are probably interested in an experienced quarterback. This is to be found in free agency. According to Jeff Howe of The Athletic, the Patriots are “very keen” on Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield.

Howe believes it is extremely unlikely that the Patriots will sign Mayfield. Reasons for this include New England’s draft position, rumors that the Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons are also interested in Mayfield, and projections that Mayfield’s next contract could be worth $120 million.

Mayfield posted career bests last year with 4,044 passing yards and 28 touchdowns in 17 starts for the Buccaneers, where he signed for just one year.

Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times now expects the Buccaneers to not use their franchise tag on Mayfield. According to him, safety Antoine Winfield Jr. will be tied to the Florida franchise for another year with the tag.

The journalist wrote in February that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers want to try to keep Mayfield, but they are reluctant to use a franchise tag that would cost the team at least $36.3 million in 2024. According to The Athletic, however, Mayfield doesn’t want to give the Buccaneers a “hometown discount” either. It is therefore very unlikely that the franchise will manage to re-sign Mayfield to an inexpensive deal.

Baker Mayfield: The Falcons are also interested

If Mayfield switches teams in free agency, the Falcons are also interested in the 28-year-old quarterback, according to a report by Tony Pauline of Sportskeeda. Pauline noted that the Falcons will pursue the plan with Mayfield if they are unable to finalize a trade with the Chicago Bears for Justin Fields.

Although Mayfield signaled that he would like to continue playing with the Bucs next year, it’s up to his current franchise to keep him. If the Buccaneers aren’t willing to pay him, the Patriots or Falcons could be waiting in the wings to sign him instead.