Even before the Patriots pulled the trigger on Drake Maye with the third-overall pick, it was assumed that free agent acquisition Jacoby Brissett would keep the seat warm for most (if not all) of the 2024 campaign. However, it sounds like the organization is willing to give their rookie quarterback every chance to compete for the starting job.
[RELATED: Patriots Select QB Drake Maye At No. 3]
While speaking with reporters this week, head coach Jerod Mayo acknowledged that the team hasn’t made a decision on their Week 1 quarterback starter.
“Look, Jacoby understands, he’s a mentor,” Mayo said (via NFL.com’s Cameron Wolfe). “He’s very smart, has great leadership skills, and hopefully Drake can learn something from him, as well. I would say we’re going to compete all spring, we’re going to compete during training camp, and the best player will start.”
After moving on from three-year starter Mac Jones, the Patriots scooped up old friend Brissett via free agency. The veteran would never be confused with a top-end quarterback, leading many to rightfully assume that the organization was going to select a QB at No. 3.
However, Brissett has shown that he can be competent when given the opportunity to start; he went 7-8 as a full-time starter for the Colts in 2019, and he’s since gone 6-10 in stints with the Dolphins and Browns. Considering that performance as a fill-in, Brissett has earned a reputation as one of the league’s premier backup QBs.
As Wolfe notes, many scouts were critical of Maye’s “inconsistency in accuracy and overall NFL readiness,” leading many to believe that the veteran would be the QB1 until his younger teammate was ready to go. That could still end up being the case, especially considering Brissett’s former Cleveland OC Alex Van Pelt is now leading the Patriots offense. But following New England’s worst showing in decades, there’s a chance that Robert Kraft and co. want to generate some enthusiasm with their squad, resulting in Maye leading the depth chart.
The Patriots found themselves in a similar situation back in 2021. That season, Jones was expected to temporarily take a back seat to 2020 starter Cam Newton, but the rookie ended up winning the job in the preseason. While Brissett will surely be sticking around regardless of this current outcome (Newton was ultimately cut), there’s a chance the Patriots immediately start their first-round QB for the second time in a post-Tom Brady era.
Bringing in Brissett was a great move. He’s run a few different offenses, he’s stepped in admirably in some difficult situations, has a great reputation as a person, and I’d say he’s one of the 30 best quarterbacks in football, even if no one ever wants him to be their plan. Ideal guy to bring in as a bridge/mentor/insurance policy.
Brissett should get the job
Maye should sit a year learn develop
NE just doesn’t have the pieces around Maye yet. No reason to throw a rookie qb out there yet.
Oline needs figured out
Wr / TE upgrades needed
Maye should absolutely sit for a year. Patriots are in no position to develop him by throwing him to the wolves immediately. If that’s the plan, he’ll be traded for a 6th round pick in three years.
I agree. If they run Maye out there this year, the results won’t be pretty, and I think there is a very real chance that could crush his confidence. I don’t see what they’d gain by doing it. I’m sure Maye already knows how to take hits and throw a football out of bounds.
I think they made a mistake not taking that NYG trade. No 6 and next years first would have been great, and then they could have called the Vikings and said we are taking your guy here at 6 unless you make us an offer with 11 and 23.
Brissett starts for a year and then they can use their pick and the Giants pick next year to go up and get the best QB in the draft instead of the 3rd best.
If maye hits obviously it’s worth it but history does reflect well in the 3rd best QB being taken.
Problem is the best QB next year is likely not in the top 5 this year. Kenny Pickett was the best QB in his class.
I am usually for the case of start the rookie ASAP because having a QB on a rookie deal is such an asset, but New England has the least talented roster in the league, and Maye is just too young and undeveloped. His footwork, decision-making, and throwing mechanics all need a lot of work. If you really want him to be Justin Herbert, then he needs to sit for a year.
Herbert was supposed to sit longer but the team doctor accelerated the timeline when he stabbed Tyrod Taylor lol
Panthers are the worst.
Most people forget that even the greatest quarterback of all time Tom Brady sat for a year with a clipboard in his hands before Drew bledsoe got hurt. If the Patriots throw Drake May to the wolves and say oh, he look good in preseason. So he’s the starting quarterback. His inaccuracy and his footwork will lead to interceptions turnovers lost games and loss of confidence…just don’t do it
I’d love to see Maye start week 1. It would be very entertaining.
I don’t understand how Patriots still have holes everywhere but they have about 50 million in cap remaining. Ownership says one thing but appearances look very different.
Brissett was a good signing but relatively inexpensive. The O line is a turnstile. The skill positions are sub par. Maye should sit and count his blessings. Old Bob probably saving up for daily visits at local rub and tug.
It’s easy. Kraft is a tight ass.
Who would you have signed that was a FA this year?
Only thing that needs to be said is “ NO NO NO” he needs to sit at least one season
Not mention of Cinqo de Jerod Mayo in the article. Happy Cinqo de Jerod Mayo everyone!
lol coach talk. Its drakes job to lose. He’s a third overall pick they ain’t fooling anybody
Mayo is playing Brissett. That’s a given.