Predicting the QB carousel and how it will affect the Raiders and 49ers

Familiar names in new places — Part 1

Tom Brady: Tennessee Titians

This will be the biggest splash of the NFL offseason. In fact, it will be one of the biggest free agency signings in NFL history.

After several months riddled with uncertainty, Tom Brady will finally find a home he is happy with. While the Patriots will give the appearance that they seriously pursued Brady, head coach Bill Belichick will have his sights set on another path.

Jimmy Garoppolo: New England Patriots

How’s this for another path? The Patriots will rebound from losing Brady with the second biggest splash in recent memory. It is also the first move with major implications on the Bay Area.

Head coach Bill Belichick’s admiration for Jimmy Garoppolo has been apparent since the two were last together in New England.

In fact, there is serious speculation that Belichick would have kept the rising star and parted ways with Brady years ago. The Patriots’ leader won’t pass on an opportunity for a second time.

49ers fans may be puzzled by this transaction. Why would the Niners part ways with a player that just took them within seven minutes of winning a championship?

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Because head coach Mike Shanahan apparently isn’t sold on the future of his incumbent QB. This isn’t particularly surprising considering the fact that Shanahan’s best skill is his ability to maximize talent.

If he can turn Matt Ryan into an MVP and Garoppolo into a Super Bowl contender, there’s every reason to believe he can do the same with a cheaper, younger, talent.

The fact that there are rumors surrounding a union between Brady and the 49ers may be exposing some of the truth behind this theory. At the end of the day, I believe the 49ers will take this opportunity to move away from both Brady and Garappolo in search of a more advantageous fit.

The most likely avenue would be through drafting a young quarterback while also signing a mid-tier, veteran placeholder that is left without a starting gig (see Andy Dalton, Mitchell Trubisky, or Jacoby Brissett).

With the additional draft capital from trading Garoppolo, they might be able to make something happen.

Philip Rivers: Indianapolis Colts

Reports have been circulating for weeks that the Colts are seriously interested in the veteran quarterback.

This is a “where there’s smoke, there’s fire” prediction. Look for the Colts to pursue Philip Rivers as a short-term replacement for former franchise player Andrew Luck.