Jerod Mayo, Patriots name Jacoby Brissett as starting QB, rookie Drake Maye at backup.
The quarterback competition in New England appears to have concluded. According to Ian Rapoport, Jerod Mayo and the Patriots have informed the team that Jacoby Brissett will be the starting quarterback at the beginning of the season.
Drake Maye, the third overall pick in the NFL Draft by the Patriots, will start the season as the backup. Although Maye is seen as the future of the franchise, Mayo believes it’s better for him to have time to develop.
Jacoby Brissett has been in the NFL since 2016 when he was drafted in the third round out of NC State. He began his career with the Patriots, winning a Super Bowl before being traded to the Indianapolis Colts in 2017. Since then, he’s played for the Miami Dolphins, Cleveland Browns, and Washington Commanders. This offseason, Brissett returned to New England with the expectation that he would start, providing veteran leadership while Maye learns behind him.
In August, Brissett expressed confidence in his role, stating, “I’m the perfect person to mentor the guys, but I’m also the perfect person to start.”
Although Brissett was always intended to start, there was a competition in New England. Maye made the decision tough for Mayo and the Patriots, showing potential during training camp and preseason games.
Brissett suffered a shoulder injury in the Patriots’ final preseason game, but it wasn’t serious, and Mayo confirmed he could have continued playing if necessary.
The Patriots are likely entering a rebuilding season, particularly as their offensive line has struggled throughout the offseason and preseason. The wide receivers are also young and relatively inexperienced. Brissett’s task will be to lead this group while Maye continues to develop.
There is still a chance that the Patriots could turn to Drake Maye later in the season. For now, though, the veteran Brissett will be steering the offense.
In Week 1, the New England Patriots will face an early road challenge against the Cincinnati Bengals. After three preseason games, head coach Jerod Mayo and his staff have chosen Brissett to start the season opener. Although Brissett is set to start, the possibility remains that Maye could take over later in the season.
Following struggles from Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe last year, the Patriots made significant moves in the offseason to address their quarterback situation. They signed Jacoby Brissett to a one-year deal and traded Jones to the Jacksonville Jaguars before drafting Drake Maye with the third overall pick.
Maye first gained prominence during the 2022 college season, completing 66.2% of his passes for 4,321 yards, 38 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. However, his performance declined in 2023, with 3,608 yards, 24 touchdowns, and nine interceptions, partly due to a weaker supporting cast.
Despite the investment in Maye, Mayo initially planned for Brissett to start. But after Maye’s strong preseason, Mayo reconsidered. Although Maye’s stats weren’t outstanding (6-11 for 47 yards and a rushing touchdown), he made some impressive throws that his teammates couldn’t capitalize on.
Maye remains a crucial part of the Patriots’ long-term plans. He has shown potential and could thrive with better support in the future. For now, Brissett is the temporary starter until the team feels Maye is ready to take over, reminiscent of situations like Mike Glennon and Andy Dalton in Chicago.
