In a recent trade, the New England Patriots bid farewell to their former starting quarterback, Mac Jones, who joined the Jacksonville Jaguars. This transaction allowed new head coach Jerod Mayo to begin his tenure with a familiar presence in Jacoby Brissett, aiming to reignite the team’s legacy following Tom Brady’s departure.
As Jerod Mayo embarks on his inaugural season as the Patriots’ full-time coach, he has already captivated fans by announcing the team’s newest quarterback as the starter for the upcoming season, signaling a fresh start under his leadership.
Jacoby Brissett to become Patriots QB1?
The Patriots have made a noteworthy move in their quarterback room, bringing back Jacoby Brisett to the team on a one-year contract valued at $8 million. The Patriots’ quarterback lineup is now complete with the addition of Brissett alongside Bailey Zappe. There is growing speculation about Brissett’s potential as the starting quarterback for the upcoming season.
Head coach Jerod Mayo addressed reporters, shedding light on Brissett’s leadership qualities and the possibility of him assuming the starting role. “
“A guy like Jacoby, he’s a great leader. Everyone loves him. To get him back in the building is definitely helpful for us. And honestly, look, he could absolutely be our starter this year,” he said, per Boston Herald.
While the Patriots remain open to various options, including potentially selecting a quarterback in the upcoming draft, Mayo expressed confidence in Brissett’s readiness to lead the team.
“We’re not dead set at taking a quarterback at 3, but we do feel good having a guy like Jacoby ready to go,” Mayo added.
Brissett’s journey in the NFL began when he was selected in the third round (91st overall) of the 2016 NFL draft by the New England Patriots. During his initial stint with the team, he showcased his capabilities by starting two games in the absence of Tom Brady and Jimmy Garoppolo, earning a respectable 1-1 record.
He played for various teams after his stint with the Patriots, such as the Indianapolis Colts, Miami Dolphins, Cleveland Browns, and most recently, the Washington Commanders. Over the years, he has consistently proven himself as a dependable and skilled quarterback in the league, even though he hasn’t been a full-time starter since his time with the Colts from 2017 to 2020.
Patriots to pick a QB in 2024 NFL Draft
As the Patriots embark on a new chapter following the departure of legendary coach Bill Belichick after 24 seasons, the organization is focused on reclaiming its legacy under new leadership. With a fresh perspective at the helm, the Patriots’ new head coach is prioritizing the revitalization of the team’s offense as a key step toward future success.
In an interview with NFL Network’s Steve Wyche at the annual league meetings, Jerod Mayo revealed the team’s commitment to exploring all options, including the possibility of selecting the No. 3 pick in the upcoming 2024 NFL draft.
“It’s the priority right now. But with that being said, you have to really be in love with the guy to take him at No. 3. So really all the options are still open for us,” Mayo explained, highlighting the team’s thorough approach to player evaluation.
Since his introductory press conference in January, Mayo has been vocal about the Patriots’ intention to prioritize the selection of the best available player, with a focus on addressing key positions of need such as quarterback, receiver, and offensive lineman.
Among the top prospects in this year’s draft class are USC’s Caleb Williams, LSU’s Jayden Daniels, and UNC’s Drake Maye. Nevertheless, with Williams likely off the table as a first-overall pick, the Patriots are poised to target either Maye or Daniels with their high draft pick.
As the Patriots are dealing with the uncertainties of the post-Belichick era, the upcoming draft presents a pivotal opportunity to lay the foundation for future triumphs.
