Patriots Rumors: NE Has a Plan to Replace Tom Brady After QB's Announcement

The New England Patriots are renowned for their strategic approach—which has resulted in six Super Bowl titles since the start of this century—and that mindset won't change with Tom Brady leaving.

"The Patriots have a plan," ESPN's Dianna Russini reported Tuesday, regarding how the organization will replace the 42-year-old future Hall of Fame quarterback.

Brady announced his decision to leave the Patriots, with whom he has played his entire 20-year NFL career, Tuesday morning:

New England has Jarrett Stidham, drafted in the fourth round last year, and Cody Kessler under contract at quarterback.

Stidham was at the Patriots' facility Tuesday morning and commented on his mentor's Instagram post:

The 23-year-old saw limited action as a rookie. The Auburn product recorded just 14 yards passing, zero touchdowns and one interception on four attempts.

The available free-agent quarterbacks are limited, especially after NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Teddy Bridgewater agreed to a deal with the Carolina Panthers, and Bleacher Report's Matt Miller described Philip Rivers' deal with the Indianapolis Colts as "all but done."

However, Russini noted the Patriots were "never interested" in Bridgewater.

An intriguing option is 2011 top overall pick Cam Newton, who was given permission by the Panthers on Tuesday morning to seek a trade. Other trade targets could be Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton or Jacksonville Jaguars signal-caller Nick Foles, who was named Super Bowl LII MVP for leading the Philadelphia Eagles to a 41-33 win over New England.

Should the Pats address quarterback in next month's draft, they own the No. 23 overall pick.

Brady leaves Foxborough having set countless individual records:

NBC Sports Boston's Tom E. Curran reported there was never "a tangible effort" or "negotiation" by New England to retain Brady.