New England Patriots - NESN.com
Julian Edelman and Rob Gronkowski are among the last people who can complain about quarterback play. The former New England Patriots legends lived out every pass-catcher’s dream by playing alongside Tom Brady.
Neither Edelman nor Gronkowski should feel any envy watching the NFL’s new wave of premier quarterbacks, but they each shouted out a modern star when contemplating a world without Brady.
During their “Dudes on Dudes” podcast, the former Patriots teammates discussed which quarterback they’d most want to play alongside beyond Brady. Gronkowski looked toward his hometown when choosing Buffalo Bills signal-caller Josh Allen.
“I love his game. It reminds me of myself at the quarterback position,” Gronkowski said of Allen. “That was a no-brainer for me. That was the first quarterback that popped up in my head.”
Edelman respected the choice, but the former wide receiver had two other AFC studs in mind. He explained why he leaned toward Joe Burrow over Patrick Mahomes.
“I would love Josh Allen, but I would love to have Burrow,” Edelman said. “I mean, you would love to have Mahomes. Our offense is a little different. There’s a little more drop-back pass. I don’t know. Mahomes is pretty good, too, but I think Burrow. I don’t want someone running as much as Mahomes on those third downs. I want them throwing because I want those third downs.”
Burrow and Allen each trail Brady by seven Super Bowl titles, but it’s hard to fault either choice.
Allen snagged MVP honors in 2024 after registering a 77.3 QBR with 3,731 passing yards, 28 passing touchdowns and six interceptions. The three-time Pro Bowler excelled without an elite supporting cast, so he’d be even scarier if he could have targeted Edelman and Gronkowski in the primes.
On the other hand, Burrow probably wouldn’t trade Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins for the retired Pats pairing. The Bengals falling short of the playoffs was probably the only reason the former No. 1 pick didn’t receive more MVP recognition with 4,918 passing yards and 43 touchdowns.
Of course, TB12 should always remain No. 1 in the hearts of Edelman and Gronkowski.
