The New England Patriots’ quarterback room is changing big time. Days after trading Mac Jones to the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Patriots have added a veteran replacement.
NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport reports that the Patriots have signed veteran Jacoby Brissett to a one-year, $8 million contract.
This shouldn’t necessarily come as too much of a surprise. Brissett was linked to New England ahead of the start of NFL free agency. The 31-year-old veteran was an original third-round pick of the Patriots in the 2016 NFL Draft. He spent two seasons as one of Tom Brady’s backups in New England.
Most recently, Brissett suited up for the Washington Commanders a season ago. He saw action in three games (zero starts), throwing three touchdowns compared to zero interceptions.
The North Carolina State product has started double-digit games three times in his career. Back in 2022 with the Cleveland Browns, he threw 12 touchdowns against six interceptions in 11 starts. Brissett’s best season came with the Indianapolis Colts in 2019 when he threw 18 touchdowns and just six interceptions in 15 starts.
Related: NFL free agent tracker
What the Jacoby Brissett signing means for the New England Patriots
Not much when it comes to the 2024 NFL Draft. New England boasts the No. 3 pick in the annual event. The team will still likely add a quarterback with said selection. It’s in this that Brissett will likely be a bridge quarterback.
Of course, there is also a scenario that includes front office head Eliot Wolf listening to offers for the third selection. New England has been linked to trade-down scenarios a lot in recent weeks.
Related: New England Patriots trade Mac Jones to the Jacksonville Jaguars
The Patriots have been linked reigning Heisman winner Jayden Daniels with the third selection in the draft. If that is indeed the move, having a veteran like Brissett help him learn the ropes makes a ton of sense.
As it stands, the Pats now have two quarterbacks on their roster with Brissett and Bailey Zappe.