Tom Brady Answers if Drake Maye Should Start for the Patriots

Former New England Patriots legendary quarterback Tom Brady shared his thoughts on the team's decision not to start rookie quarterback Drake Maye for their 2024 season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Brady, who found himself in a similar situation early in his career, didn’t start right away and served as the backup quarterback to Drew Bledsoe, much like Maye is doing now behind New England's Jacoby Brissett.

However, the difference is that Brady was selected 199th overall in the 2000 NFL draft, while Maye was selected with the third overall pick in this year's draft.

The seven-time Super Bowl winner expressed his belief that this decision would benefit Maye in the long run and agreed with the Patriots' choice to start Brissett over him.

"I've gone on record to say that I think it's best, in my opinion, for rookie quarterbacks to watch a veteran do it," Brady said on Colin Cowherd's "The Herd" .

Brady also pointed out that other successful quarterbacks began their careers by sitting behind seasoned veterans.

"Aaron Rodgers watched behind Brett Favre, Patrick Mahomes watched behind Alex Smith," Brady said. "When you have a real pro in front of you, they can help with that learning curve."

Brady added that learning from veterans can prevent young rookies from losing their confidence, emphasizing the "big difference between college football and professional football."

Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo, who made the decision, seems to share Brady's perspective.

"I think it's important to remember, what's good for the team today may not be good for the team weeks down the line," Mayo said in a press conference. "The challenge is you want to win every single game now, but also you're trying to build something special."

Related: Patriots HC Hints That Starting QB ‘May Not be Good for the Team’ Long-Term