Would Pats consider Haskins after QB's release from Washington?

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The No. 15 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft is on the open market.

The Washington Football Team released quarterback Dwayne Haskins on Monday after benching him in favor of Taylor Heinicke during Sunday's game against the Carolina Panthers.

Haskins came to Washington with plenty of hype as the second QB taken in the 2019 Draft after a stellar college career at Ohio State. He fell short of expectations on and off the field, though, posting a 74.4 passer rating over two seasons with 12 touchdown passes to 14 interceptions and earning a $40,000 fine last week after violating COVID-19 protocols by attending a party without a mask.

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So, where will Haskins land next? It's worth at least mentioning the Patriots as an option considering New England's current QB, Cam Newton, is having one of the worst passing seasons in recent NFL history.

Haskins is due $4.27 million in guaranteed base salary over the next two seasons. So, after paying Newton just $1.05 million in base salary this year, it's hard to see the Patriots spending even that amount on a player with so many red flags.

If Haskins goes unclaimed on waivers, however, a club could sign the 23-year-old to the league minimum ($750,000 in 2020 for players with two years of service time) and stash him on their practice squad.

That might be an option the Patriots consider as they explore QB options outside Jarrett Stidham and Brian Hoyer in 2021. For all of his struggles, Haskins still has plenty of upside and threw 50 touchdown passes during his final year in Columbus.

There's a good chance Haskins gets claimed on waivers by a team willing to pay $4.27 million for a reclamation project. If that doesn't happen? You may want to keep an eye on Bill Belichick.

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