The Perfect Plan B for the Patriots if They Can't Re-Sign Tom Brady

This year's edition of NFL free agency is unlike any other. How often does a six-time Super Bowl champion quarterback hit the open market? Well, this is the year, as 42-year-old Tom Brady is testing the waters to see if another team can entice him to divorce the Patriots.

While many don't believe Brady would leave the New England Patriots, the team that drafted him in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft, the buzz is growing that he'll find a new home at the start of the new league year.

If that's truly the case, the Patriots have the perfect Plan B to replace Brady: Teddy Bridgewater.

"I don't think Tom Brady is going back to New England. It's a done deal. Look at how he played last season...the Patriots are better off without him. Keep your eyes on Andy Dalton or Teddy Bridgewater" - @BuckyBrooks on The @jasonrmcintyre Show

LISTEN: https://t.co/WOHUhovz0N pic.twitter.com/gkig4Py8He
— FOX Sports Radio (@FoxSportsRadio) February 29, 2020

Normally, the best option for any team that's on the cusp of losing a veteran quarterback is to select one out of college. Unfortunately for the Patriots, they have the No. 23 overall pick in the first round, and the top-tier college signal callers are all likely to come off the board before they're on the clock.

So, with over $41 million in cap space, the Patriots can take a look on the open market, and Bridgewater is arguably the best at his position.

"I think it's a done deal that Tom Brady won't go back. I think the Patriots would be better off moving on. I'll give you two names: Andy Dalton and Teddy Bridgewater." - @BuckyBrooks on @FoxSportsRadio. Full audio coming
— Jason McIntyre (@jasonrmcintyre) February 29, 2020

The former Louisville Cardinal bounced back in a tremendous way from what appeared to be a career-threatening injury back in 2016. That was far from the case. Bridgewater was acquired by the New Orleans Saints in 2018, and re-signed with the squad on a one-year deal.

That proved to be a wise decision by the Saints, considering they lost veteran quarterback Drew Brees for five games to a broken thumb this past season. In his absence, Bridgewater stepped in and performed exceptionally, posting a perfect 5-0 record as a starter. Additionally, Bridgwater recorded 1.384 passing yards, nine touchdowns, and two interceptions on a 67.9 completion percentage. That's unheard of, considering head coach Sean Payton's offensive playbook is notoriously difficult to get a grasp of.

Teddy Bridgewater in a #Patriots uniform doesn't seem so crazy now does it...
— Spotrac (@spotrac) February 27, 2020

If Bridgewater was able to master Payton's offensive scheme, imagine what he can do under Patriots head coach Bill Belichick and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. If Brady is truly gone, they can replace him with another impressive "TB" under center.