Sure, the Patriots and their fans endured a 4-13 NFL disaster in 2023 only to possibly witness career backup Jacoby Brissett in 2024, right? According to ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler, as of now, the Patriots intend for Brissett to start in Week 1, with rookie Drake Maye in reserve.
The Patriots selected Maye as the third overall pick in the 2024 draft, banking on the abilities of the 21-year-old from North Carolina to replace Mac Jones. After initial success under Jones, the Patriots struggled in the last two seasons and traded Jones this winter.
Maye is anticipated to be the result of that decline. He made his debut for the franchise in minicamp by throwing passes for the first time in a Patriots uniform..
But it may take some time before we see him make significant passes. The Patriots brought in Brissett as a free agent to act as a so-called “bridge” quarterback who could guide and temporarily hold the starting position until the team judges Maye to be ready for the role. Initially, it seems the team is not convinced of Maye's readiness.
The Patriots Seem to Prefer Jacoby Brissett
This is not particularly surprising and may change, of course. However, here’s how Fowler expressed it on SportsCenter on Saturday (via Bleacher Report):
“I spoke to a source within the team who said: ‘We won't hinder Drake Maye when he's prepared to play, but we acknowledge that he requires some development.’ That he needs to become accustomed to the professional game, which could take some time.
“So they're ready to rely on Jacoby Brissett, the experienced player, to at least start the season. Naturally, they'll let everything unfold, but currently, Brissett appears to be the preferred choice.
It would not be ideal for Brissett to start games for the Patriots, but considering his $8 million for this season, he is a cost-effective option while Maye gains experience.
During his eight-year career, Brissett has started only 48 games, including two during a season plagued by injuries in 2016 with the Patriots. He assisted in winning one game after replacing Jimmy Garoppolo and then had a 1-1 record in his two starts that year. Since then, he has had two seasons as the starter in Indianapolis due to injury, and one (in Cleveland in 2022) in which he started most of the games also due to injury.
Drake Maye Has Connections to Brissett
Interestingly, Maye and Brissett already have an association. Maye met Brissett last year when he was with the Commanders, through Commanders starter Sam Howell, who also played for North Carolina.
Now, it will be up to Brissett to take on the role and help Maye prepare for it. It will be beneficial that Brissett is already familiar with new coordinator Alex Van Pelt’s offense—Brissett played under Van Pelt in Cleveland.
“He’s been to so many different places, experienced so many different offenses. I believe he has been in this offense before with coach Van Pelt, and I'm eager to learn from him,” Maye expressed in his draft press conference.
“I know he's a seasoned guy, an experienced veteran, and he can still play. Therefore, I'm looking forward to contributing in any way, I'm excited to meet him, and I know he's the man.”
