Patriots’ Rivals Are Officially Worried New England is Tanking for Trevor Lawrence and it’s a Problem

It's still hard to process what's going on with the New England Patriots right now. Tom Brady is now in Tampa Bay, and he's been joined by Rob Gronkowski. Meanwhile, back in Massachusetts, Bill Belichick appears ready to hand this team's offense over to Jarrett Stidham. What?

With hope for success in 2020 at an apparent all-time low for Pats fans, could it be that the organization has a master plan in the works? Per the latest buzz, some AFC teams believe New England is getting ready to tank this season so they can earn the No. 1 pick next spring and draft Clemson phenom Trevor Lawrence.

AFC evaluator: I’m a little worried [Patriots] are tanking for Trevor Lawrence https://t.co/NRh06LaC3P
— Ryan Hannable (@RyanHannable) May 2, 2020

With so much movement this offseason involving quarterbacks, the Pats figured to go after a veteran to replace Brady. What about Andy Dalton? Cam Newton? Even in the draft, New England didn't take a signal-caller.

Either Belichick has serious confidence in Stidham, or he's got something up his sleeve.

Lawrence is already expected to be the top pick in the 2021 NFL Draft next April. He's seen as a generational talent and has one special right arm. Imagine seeig him get coached up by Belichick in Foxborough? That'd really be something.

At the same time, the fact that AFC teams are worried the Patriots are ready to blow their season in order to land him is troubling for all those who had hoped their dynasty was finally over at long last.

If the Patriots let Brady leave after like 20 years of this, tank for a season, and then resume the dynasty for another 20 with Trevor Lawrence because they're the first team with the intelligence to tank properly not half-assed, I may just cry.
— Sam Monson (@PFF_Sam) March 18, 2020

You're not alone, Sam. For the sake of everyone's mental health, let's just hope this isn't what Belichick is cooking.