The New England Patriots are going to have a major decision to make at quarterback this offseason. After three years with the team, Mac Jones is as good as gone. He will be traded, creating a major void under center.
With Eliot Wolf calling the shots in the front office following Bill Belichick’s departure, everything seems to be up in the air. That includes potentially taking a quarterback No. 3 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft.
There has also been some rumors pointing to the rebuilding Patriots trading down from that selection while adding a stopgap option in either free agency or on the NFL trade block.
New England needs to get this decision right. It is coming off a four-win campaign, the team’s worst finish since all the way back in 1992. Perhaps, bringing back a player from their bygone dynasty days could be in the cards.
Related: 4 Baker Mayfield landing spots in NFL free agency, including the New England Patriots
New England Patriots linked to Jacoby Brissett in NFL free agency
Ben Volin of the Boston Globe reports that the Patriots have “real” interest in signing Brissett away from the Washington Commanders in free agency. This is somewhat of a surprise in that New England has not been bandied about as a potential landing spot for the 31-year-old veteran.
However, there are several connections here. Brissett was originally drafted by New England in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft out of North Carolina State. He spent one season as Tom Brady’s backup before being traded to the Indianapolis Colts.
Brissett also worked under new Patriots offensie coordinator Alex Van Pelt with the Cleveland Browns back in 2022, throwing 12 touchdowns compared to six interceptions in 11 starts.
Related: Top 2024 NFL free agents
- Jacoby Brissett career stats: 61.3% completion, 10,574 yards, 51 TD, 23 INT
Any move to sign Brissett would be seen as adding a stopgap quarterback while a likely high pick in the 2024 NFL Draft learns the nuances of the professional game. Brissett is seen as a seasoned pro and someone who can help in that regard.