Investing around a young quarterback on a rookie deal means loading up around that core with affordable, high-impact pieces. Terry McLaurin stands out as the ideal high-floor add, offering immediate fantasy relevance and strong target share as the QB grows. Micah Parsons, by contrast, is exquisite but prohibitively expensive in both draft capital and salary, making him a tougher pill to swallow in dynasty-style builds. Christian Gonzalez, still on a rookie contract, remains an appealing core piece to anchor defense and cap strategy while the rest of the roster is maximized.

That plan hinges on using the rookie deal window to push for meaningful upgrades at the right moments, especially around the receiving game. The narrative centers on pursuing McLaurin aggressively while recognizing Parsons’ cost as a limiter. The Patriots emerge as a lens for this approach, with Gonzalez illustrating how a cheap, young asset can stabilize a foundation. In short, maximize surrounding pieces while your quarterback learns, then chase upside with discipline as contracts evolve.