Jacoby Brissett Named New England Patriots Week 1 Starter

FOXBOROUGH, MA — First-year New England Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo has chosen Jacoby Brissett as his Week 1 starter over rookie gunslinger Drake Maye.

The move comes as Drake Maye gained steam late in the preseason with a few splash plays in the preseason finale against the Washington Commanders, and after Jacoby Brissett suffered a shoulder injury during the game.

Maye completed 13 of 20 passes in that game for 126 yards and a touchdown while Brissett was diagnosed with a right shoulder injury.

Mayo said during a news conference on Wednesday that the team had made a decision, but declined to name the starter publicly stating that he wanted to meet with the quarterbacks first.

Now, NFL insiders Adam Schefter, Jeremy Fowler and Ian Rapoport have reported that Brissett was named the starter during that team meeting. Mayo also spoke briefly on Thursday, confirming the move.

“As an organization we’re 100 percent behind Jacoby,” Mayo said.

Maye was the team's pick at three in the 2024 NFL Draft and the clear quarterback of the future in Foxborough, but concerns about the team's offensive line and skill position players have led many to question whether the team is capable enough to support a young, developing quarterback.

Brissett started his career with the Patriots before becoming an NFL journeyman, starting and serving as backup for multiple franchises since. His most recent stint as a starter was in 2022 for the Cleveland Browns, when he threw for 2,608 and 12 touchdowns. He spent last season as the primary backup in Washington.

Maye comes to New England from North Carolina, where his evaluation wasn't all that dissimilar from other strong-armed, athletic quarterbacks that have come out in recent years. He can make every throw, extend plays with his legs and dot passes down the field.

The Athletic’s Dane Brugler said Maye’s physical gifts and intelligence at the position are reminiscent of Justin Herbert, and he considers Maye to have a similar ceiling, too. Decision-making could determine whether he reaches those heights.

Rookie quarterback Joe Milton will serve as the team's third-string quarterback after Bailey Zappe was cut on Tuesday.

Read more: Patriots Initial 53 Man Roster For The 2024 NFL Season