Patriots HC names starting quarterback 'at this point in time'

The Patriots selected Drake Maye with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft to be their future franchise quarterback, but it seems the future will have to wait a little bit longer.

On Tuesday, head coach Jerod Mayo told reporters that veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett, who joined New England on a one-year deal in March, "is the starting quarterback at this point in time."

"When we get out on the field this summer with the pads on we'll see how it plays out," Mayo said , via Kevin Patra of NFL.com. "But coming out of the spring, I think it's clear that Jacoby is the most pro-ready guy we have."

It may not be the news fans were hoping to hear, but it could be what's best for the development of Maye in the long run.

The UNC product is a bit raw with just two years of starting experience. If he isn't ready to start, the Patriots aren't forced to make him thanks to their offseason acquisition of Brissett.

There have been several situations that prove letting young quarterbacks sit and learn can be the most effective.

"You've seen that work in the past. You look at other quarterbacks, the Green Bay quarterbacks, right, where they had a lot of time," Mayo added. "You look at those situations and they were able to sit back."

However, Mayo isn't ruling out the scenario that Maye could still beat out Brissett during training camp to be the Week 1 starter.

"If he comes out here and lights it up, and once again it goes back to the quality of reps, it could absolutely happen," Mayo stated. "But I sit here and tell you coming out of the spring, Jacoby looks like the starting quarterback. Now with that being said, he'll have competition."

Maye has the capability of doing just that after showcasing his arm talent the past two years, throwing for 7,929 yards and 62 touchdowns. If he continues to progress in the right direction, it will be difficult for New England to keep him off the field.

"There have also been situations where a guy comes right in right now and he balls out," Mayo finished. "We'll see what happens when we get out here on the field."