No NFL coach in recent memory has invested more in finding a backup quarterback through the draft than Bill Belichick.
In 2011, the New England Patriots invested a third-round choice on Ryan Mallett. In 2014, they spent a second-round pick on Jimmy Garoppolo, and then they used a third-round pick on Jacoby Brissett this year.
Now, with Tom Brady suspended for two more games and Garoppolo out with a right shoulder injury suffered during the Patriots' 31-24 victory over the Miami Dolphins in Week 2, Belichick needs to make a quick call to add an emergency veteran quarterback.
Belichick needs a veteran who knows offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels' system, and he needs him for a Thursday night home game against the Houston Texans. Here's the short list of who the Patriots could pick up:
Matt Flynn: The former backup in Green Bay and Seattle signed with the Patriots on June 11 last year, but he was cut on Aug. 10. Though he never played a regular-season down for the Patriots, he knows the system. He has been with eight teams.
Ryan Lindley: This might be a longer shot than Flynn, but Lindley did spend time with the Patriots. After Flynn was cut, Lindley signed on Aug. 10. He was released in the final cut on Sept. 5 last year.
T.J. Yates: Yates is another quarterback who has some experience and has been on the market this offseason. He was with the Texans last year, and he knows Houston coach Bill O'Brien's offense. O'Brien was a Patriots offensive coordinator before leaving for Penn State in 2012.
Sean Renfree: The Patriots worked him out earlier this month. He was with the Falcons through training camp.
Ricky Stanzi: Stanzi was in Foxboro, Massachusetts, in March for a visit, so he has to be on the Patriots' short list. He has been with five teams, but he has never thrown a regular-season pass.
Mike Kafka: Kafka was with the Patriots during the 2013 offseason, but he was released that June -- in favor of Tim Tebow. Which brings us to ...
Tim Tebow: No way. This isn't happening.
Jimmy Clausen: Clausen worked out for a couple of teams in the offseason. But he wasn't with a team in training camp, and he has no ties to the Patriots.
Michael Vick: Vick wants one more chance to play in the league, but this is probably a reach for Belichick.