Pigskin Apocalypse

Okay, I understand what I'm about to do is one of the reasons why Pats fans are so loathed by other fan bases.

I actually saw somebody ask the question. If New England loses Revis and McCourty, why not trade Brady? Just blow it up and start over.

Strangely enough, I can't help considering it.

Let me just say I hope Tom Brady retires a Patriots. I will also observe that after nearly 15 years of sustained excellence, blowing it up just doesn't sound like Bill Belichick. Unlike myself, he doesn't seem like a personality driven by unreasoning fear and dread. He might lose both Revis and McCourty but "Oh well, let's trade Brady!" doesn't seem like the next move Belichick would make.

Or does it? Deep down, we have to admit we have no idea what Bill Belichick will do.

So let's roll with the pigskin apocalypse.

Let's say Revis and McCourty walk and let's say Belichick decides to clean house. He trades Brady to Tampa Bay for the #1 pick in 2015 (and something totally random like a 3rd round pick 2016 and a 2nd in 2017). He trades or releases Wilfork. He clears cap space with an axe. When he's done he's got enough cheddar to sign Ndamukong Suh and he does. He has enough left over for Mike Iupati and Jabaal Sheard. Belichick trades the #1 pick to the Browns for the 12th and 19th picks in this year's draft (and more mid-round picks this year and next. I know, I'm getting dizzy!) Belichick could do just about anything at this point. Trading one of those 1st rounders for more picks in the 2nd and 3rd is just so Bill but it's more fun if we stick and pick.

Let's say the 12 is WR Devante Parker or DE/OLB Vic Beasley or CB Jalen Collins and the 19 is NT Danny Shelton or OLB Bud Dupree or something really crazy like RB Todd Gurley. At this point, Belichick has something like three picks each in the 2nd and 3rd round. He drafts all three Florida State offensive linemen. He adds depth at all three levels of the defense and a tight end none of us have ever heard of but has a crazy good 3-cone drill time.

Add that talent to a roster that's got Rob Gronkowski, Julian Edelman, JoJo LaFell and LeGarrette Blount on offense and Chandler Jones, Rob Ninkovich, Dont'a Hightower and Jamie Collins. Let's say Tim Wright and Dominique Easley step up. Let's say Malcolm Butler isn't a one-hit wonder.

Let's say Jimmy Garoppolo is the next Drew Brees.

That could happen.

Or let's say the Patriots sign Revis and McCourty.

And Tom Brady wins his 5th Super Bowl and 4th Super Bowl MVP in a Patriots uniform.

Yeah. Can someone make that happen?