Drake Maye is the future starting quarterback in New England – there is little doubt about that.
The question is when the Patriots will name Maye the starter. The No. 3 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft competed for the role throughout training camp and the preseason, with veteran Jacoby Brissett the other realistic option.
New England isn’t exactly competitive and could easily be one of the worst teams this year, so the organization isn’t in a rush to add the coveted rookie to the team. However, Maye could earn a starting spot as early as Week 1 of the regular season.
Here’s the latest on the quarterback battle and what the rankings look like in New England.
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Who is the Patriots’ starting quarterback?
The Patriots have not yet named a starting quarterback for the regular season. The battle between Maye and Brissett is not over yet, as New England plays its final preseason game on Sunday, August 25.
Brissett will start the Week 3 preseason game against the Commanders, marking his third consecutive game as the team’s starting quarterback. Maye also played in the previous two games and will likely see more time on Sunday as well.
#Patriots Coach Jerod Mayo tells reporters that Jacoby Brissett will start their final preseason game, while Drake Mayo and the others will also play. Their battle for the quarterback spot is still undecided…
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) 23 August 2024
Of course, the three preseason appearances won’t be the only factor that will be considered in Jerod Mayo’s decision. The two pitchers have been playing so much during training camps and practice that the public hasn’t heard about it.
Since Brissett started all three preseason games, Mayo seems inclined to let the veteran start at least in Week 1. That would give Maye, who turns 22 on August 30, a chance to slowly get used to NFL action.
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If Brissett gets the job, his play in the regular season will determine how long the team keeps him. As mentioned, Maye will be the franchise’s future starting quarterback. The question is when, not if.
The Patriots could start the rookie as early as Week 1 or bench him all year like Jordan Love did. They could also give him a quick test at the end of the season like the Chiefs did with Patrick Mahomes in his rookie year. Mahomes played one game in 2017 before taking over the following year.
New England has a wealth of options and there’s no rush to draft Maye if the franchise doesn’t believe he’s ready. The mystery will likely get more clues after the Patriots’ final preseason game.
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Patriots QB depth chart
With one game left in the preseason, Brissett appears to be leading the quarterback rankings in New England.
The veteran quarterback has started the first two preseason games and will start the final game on Sunday night against the Commanders. Maye moves behind him to No. 2 as their battle for the starting spot continues late into preseason.
Bailey Zappe and Joe Milton III occupy the final two spots, with neither expected to see much playing time during the regular season unless Brissett and Maye get injured.
| team | QB1 | QB2 | QB3 | QB4 |
| New England Patriots | Jacoby Brissett | Drake May | Bailey Zappe | Joe Milton III |
