New England Patriots: 5 Quarterbacks to replace Tom Brady if he leaves

1. Philip Rivers

If forced with trying to find a new quarterback to fill in on offense if Tom Brady leaves, New England could be frontrunners to bringing in another veteran quarterback while coming up with a plan for the long-term future. Perhaps the top option at quarterback on the free-agent market would be longtime Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers.

The Chargers are likely to move on from the veteran quarterback moving into the 2020 campaign, and that would result in Rivers trying to find a new home heading into the season.

During the 2019 season, Rivers completed his 16th year in the NFL after entering the league in 2004. The 38-year-old appeared in all 16 games for Los Angeles, completing 66 percent of his pass attempts while throwing for 4,615 yards and 23 touchdowns along with 20 interceptions.

With Rivers potentially hitting free agency and on the search for a new team for the first time in his career, the veteran quarterback would likely be looking for a squad that is in a good position to compete while he tries to obtain his first Super Bowl title of his tenure in the NFL.

If the Patriots end up looking to add a new quarterback under center if Brady leaves the franchise during the offseason, New England could replace that veteran player with another veteran leader for at least the next year or two.

A change of scenery could provide to be a positive thing for Rivers, and if the Patriots do ultimately find themselves on the search for a new quarterback in 2020, he could be a top option on the free-agent market.