New England Patriots: 5 wild predictions for 2019 and beyond

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - DECEMBER 30: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots looks on during the third quarter of a game against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

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New England Patriots Blake Bortles (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /

Blake Bortles the successor…temporarily

Don’t worry, the New England Patriots will draft a quarterback in the second or third round of the 2019 NFL Draft.

However, with Tom Brady making it known he is on his final run, the Patriots shock the NFL on Day 1 of free agency by signing Blake Bortles to a three-year deal. The Boston media won’t like it, but the Patriots feel Bortles could be the bridge quarterback.

Suddenly, with a new, young tight end, a 1,000-yard rusher in Sony Michel and the emergence of Braxton Berrios as the team’s new, dynamic slot receiver, Bill Belichick believes the Patriots have the pieces necessary to win with Brady in 2019 and Bortles moving forward until the young rookie is ready to take over the reins.

With a few surprise cuts, including the release of Dont’a Hightower, Belichick gets back in the media’s good graces by making a splash on Jadeveon Clowney and taking a chance on safety Earl Thomas.

Next. The 5 faces of the New England Patriots: The stars, the coach, the dynasty. dark

The new influx of free agents combined with their 2018 and 2019 draft class will keep the New England Patriots in the mix and looking strong for 2020 despite the possibility of being led by Blake Bortles after Brady calls it quits.

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