I think the math is starting to get simpler.
We didn't draft Falk but the team had several interviews with him. He gets cut and we claim him as a developmental QB on a rookie contract (4 years). So in a weird circle of events at the end of the day, we still get the developmental QB we had targeted, on a rookie contract,
Brock is on a 1 year deal worth $880K (90K bonus). He is the prototypical QB2: 1) knows the HC, 2) starting experience, 3) knows the offense and 4) on a cheap deal.
Odd man out: Fales. No ties to HC. 1 year deal, also with only 90K guaranteed. Cannot be developed (time) on a rookie deal.
Gase always said his backup QB was on the roster. He just didn't say who it was. And he never said his developmental QB was on the roster. Fales had to wow in preseason to beat out Brock. Anything close, Brock won by default.
I think Gase targeted a developmental QB this off-season with last year's debacle. He jettisoned Moore. Signed Brock early and has never really committed to Fales in the time he's been here. Fales has always been an emergency option. Moore and Fales aren't Gase guys. Which, if we are following along, is the reason he brought in Cutler over Moore.
Also, it is pretty obvious Gase is all in on RT. Those of you wanting another QB drafted will have to wait until Gase is no longer HC or RT is retired. It is becoming obvious to me that Gase's creed moving forward is "if you are not my guy, you are not on my team". I think he bought into RT before he was hired. I think Gase is old school in that he only wants "his guy" at QB. It is a trust thing. And Ryan earned it 2016.
2018: Ryan (QB1), Brock (QB2) and Falk (QB3)
2019: Ryan (QB1), Falk (QB2)
Brock is trying to salvage his career. The only way I see him coming back next year is if he can't sign with another team and comes back at vet minimum.
Moving forward, it's RT and Falk for the foreseeable future.
Fales should be cut right before the game just to avoid TEN getting intel. Like I'm sure they feel we will do with Falk. Both are Patriot moves.