The New England Patriots drafted quarterback Ryan Mallett in the third round of the 2011 draft. He was expected to be the heir to the Tom Brady throne at some point. However, Brady just signed a contract extension that will keep him a Patriot for life. Mallett will not be seeing the field anytime soon. So what do they Patriots do with backup quarterback possessing a high amount of potential? Use him as leverage for a trade during the NFL draft. The Patriots are reportedly fielding calls from multiple teams who are interested in setting up a trade for Mallett in exchange for draft picks.
The 2013 draft class is not exactly filled with a large amount of quarterback talent. Multiple experts have said that there is not a quarterback in this year's class that could immediately step in as a starter for a team. This leaves few options for teams in need of an upgrade at the position.
Mallett saw the field in four games last season. He attempted four passes, completing one for 17 yards. He also threw an interception. Now, no one expected Mallett to have any numbers considering he is playing behind Tom Brady, but he has shown enough potential in preseason games to make teams believe he has the abilities to be a starting quarterback.
The Patriots would most like more than the third-round pick they originally spent on Mallett originally. They could easily get a second-round pick this season and possibly a first-round pick in 2014 if they work the trade right. The Cleveland Browns and the New York Jets are the likely suspects involved in the trade for Mallett.
Cleveland did not acquire a quarterback in the offseason, assuming that Brandon Weeden would be their starter. However, general manager Mike Lombardi has spoken highly of Mallett and played a role in the Patriots drafting him in the first place. The Browns do not have a second-round pick, but could trade down and acquire one to eventually give away. The Jets are known to not be happy with their quarterback roster. They want someone with a legitimate chance at competing with Mark Sanchez. The team has multiple first-round picks and could do some maneuvering to get Mallett.
The Patriots have no use for Mallett. He is wasting away as Brady's backup and if he wants to see any playing time in the near future, he better hope New England sends him on his way.
