A midseason quarterback change has long been expected in New England, and it is now set to take place. The Patriots plan to start Drake Maye in Week 6, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports.
Veteran Jacoby Brissett got the nod at the start of the campaign, something which came as little surprise. The 31-year-old has experience working with offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt, and placing him atop the depth chart bought more time for Maye to develop. Brissett signed a one-year deal in free agency, though positioning him as a bridge starter who would cede first-team duties at some point along the way. Maye saw mop-up duty the Pats’ blowout Week 3 loss, but this will mark his first full NFL action.
Once the Patriots moved on from Mac Jones, it was clear the draft route would be taken once again for a future franchise passer to be added. New England turned aside considerable trade interest in the No. 3 pick, using it to select Maye. The North Carolina product was seen as less pro-ready than a number of his draft classmates, but he has received 30% of the team’s starting reps during practice this season. That unusual setup further signaled a change would be coming soon, and the Patriots have lost four straight games. With momentum from their surprise Week 1 win not materializing, Brissett will be benched for at least the time being.
More to come…
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