Jerod Mayo ended with the months-long speculation on the New England Patriots‘ quarterback situation by announcing Jacoby Brissett as QB1 for the 2024 NFL season on Thursday. Therefore, Drake Maye will be taking a back seat in his rookie year.
The North Carolina product made an impression in preseason, and since he was selected third-overall by the Patriots in the 2024 NFL Draft, many wondered whether the team would already hand him the reins this year.
It turns out New England will lean on Brissett’s experience before it feels Maye is ready to take over. But far from being upset with Mayo for his decision, the rookie QB said he understands the coach. Though he also made it clear how much he’d like to play.
“I wouldn’t say disappointed,” Maye said, via NESN. “Look, I obviously want to play — the competitive edge in me. But at the same time, I understand the situation. Jacoby’s been in the offense — the reps with the ones all camp. So I can’t really say I’m disappointed. At the same time, I want to be playing.”
Jacoby Brissett reveals how Drake Maye reacted to Jerod Mayo’s announcement
Brissett, who gained the upper hand in the QB battle against Maye, revealed the rookie quarterback went to him after Mayo made his announcement with nothing but encouraging messages.
“He came up to me and was like, ‘Man, whatever you need I’m here for.’ It’s the same for him, whatever he needs from me I’ll do the same,” Brissett said, before heaping praise on the former Tar Heels star.
“He’s done a great job — dating back to when he first got here to now. It’s been a lightyear’s difference,” Brissett added. “I think he would say that, as well. I’m excited for his future. He’s going to be a good quarterback in this league.“
Patriots waiting for the right moment for Maye
With Brissett turning 32 in December, the Patriots know their starting quarterback is not getting any younger. But since they don’t want to risk messing up their first-round pick, the team feels that the right decision is to wait before sending Maye to the field.
Let’s keep in mind the Patriots have struggled at quarterback since Tom Brady left in 2020, and rushing things may not be the wisest choice right now. The Mac Jones experience may be proof of that.