Patriots Make Decision On Starting Quarterback

The New England Patriots have officially named veteran Jacoby Brissett as their starting quarterback for the 2024 NFL season, the team announced on its social media accounts Thursday (August 29) morning.

"The Patriots have named Jacoby Brissett the starting quarterback," the team wrote on its X account.

Brissett, 31, won the job over No. 3 overall pick Drake Maye and sixth-round pick Joe Milton . First-year head coach Jerod Mayo reportedly notified his team of his decision to start the veteran quarterback during a meeting, according to NFL Network 's Ian Rapoport .

Brissett began his career with the Patriots, making two starts during his rookie season amid Tom Brady 's four-game suspension in relation to the Deflategate scandal and backup Jimmy Garoppolo 's Week 2 injury.

Brissett was acquired by the Indianapolis Colts in a trade with the Patriots the following season after starter Andrew Luck suffered an injury and started 15 of 16 games prior to stints with the Miami Dolphins (2021), Cleveland Browns (2022) and Washington Commanders (2023). The former N.C. State standout enters his ninth NFL season with 10,574 yards, 51 touchdowns and 23 interceptions on 981 of 1,600 passing, as well as 915 yards and 15 touchdowns on 230 rushing attempts.

The Patriots released Bailey Zappe ahead of their quarterback decision on Tuesday (August 27). Zappe, 25, went 4-4 in eight starts for the Patriots during the past two seasons, which included going 2-4 and throwing for 1,272 yards, six touchdowns and nine interceptions on 127 of 212 passing in 2023.