The New England Patriots used the third overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft to select their presumed quarterback of the future in Drake Maye. And yet, he might not even earn the starting job in 2024, as the Pats could opt to play it safe with Maye after watching Mac Jones fall apart in front of their eyes over the past three seasons. If that were the case, Jacoby Brissett would be the guy under center for New England.
The Pats shored up their quarterback room in free agency by bringing Brissett back to town after they drafted him in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft. And while the expectation is that Maye will hit the field at some point in 2024, Brissett seems intent on winning the starting job over him in training camp, which will certainly catch the rookie passer's attention.
“That's all out of my control, so I don't really worry about that. I'm excited to have him on the team, and the other guys as well that we drafted and picked up. I think it's going to be good. Competition brings out the best in all of us, so I'm excited about that part. I'm a little bit familiar with him, and obviously talking to each other now that we are on the same team. So I'm sure that relationship will grow.” – Jacoby Brissett, ESPN
Patriots have unique competition with Jacoby Brissett, Drake Maye
Brissett knew what he was getting himself into when he signed with New England, so the bridge role he has assumed could become unnecessary at any given moment. But the Pats aren't exactly locked into starting Maye in Week 1 as a rookie, so Brissett makes it clear that he is going to battle to make the position his own throughout training camp. It would have been a shock if he said he would do anything else.
Ever since being selected by the Patriots, Brissett has bounced around the league, most recently spending the 2023 campaign with the Washington Commanders. Brissett didn't play much, but when he did take the field in relief of Sam Howell, he looked pretty solid. New England is hoping Brissett can play at a similar level if he winds up on the field under center for them.
There's no reason to rush Maye into the action, as the Patriots supporting cast on offense isn't particularly great, and the rookie passer has some flaws that are probably better off being addressed behind the scenes than on the field. Both guys are going to want to be the Week 1 starter, though, and Brissett is making it clear that he's going to compete with Maye, while also helping mold him into New England's next great quarterback.
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