NFL Trade Rumors: New England Patriots May Not Start Quarterback Drake Maye Immediately

The New England Patriots may be willing to take their time with their new franchise quarterback. Speaking with the media Wednesday, veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett said he's excited to compete with recently signed quarterback Drake Maye, who the Patriots drafted third overall in the 2024 NFL Draft just last week.

News story: Veteran Jacoby Brissett eager to battle Drake Maye for Patriots’ QB1 job.

“Competition brings out the best in all of us,” he says.https://t.co/WU4unK0p1e
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) May 1, 2024

Brissett signed with the Patriots earlier this offseason on a one-year, $8 million contract, a substantial sum for a backup. He also has extensive experience as a starter, including with the Patriots, who drafted him 91st overall in 2016. Overall, Brissett has totalled 10574 passing yards, 51 touchdowns, and 23 interceptions over 79 appearances with the Patriots, Indianapolis Colts, Miami Dolphins, Cleveland Browns, and Washington Commanders.

The Patriots turned down significant trade offers in order to invest in Maye, but first-year head coach Jerod Mayo has previously made it clear that Brissett was signed to compete for a starting role.

Brissett winning a training camp competition against Maye may be disappointing for fans eager to see their shiny new prospect in action, but it could be for the best in the long run. The Patriots may not have the requisite system to support a young quarterback: they fielded a disastrous offense last season, finishing tied for last in points scored (13.9 per game) and 27th in total turnovers (29).

Some of those struggles can be attributed to starting quarterback Mac Jones, who the Patriots traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars earlier this offseason. A more meticulous or gifted passer may have been able to execute more effectively. Still, if the Patriots are going to make the most of Maye, they'll need to succeed with him where they failed with Jones. Despite a promising rookie season in which he earned a Pro Bowl in 2021, Jones was ultimately undone by a flawed system and a lack of surrounding talent. Maye could benefit from a year on the bench if it helps the Patriots assemble a more competent offense.