Patriots' Jacoby Brissett discusses being 'perfect' QB to mentor Drake Maye

Analysts and reporters have routinely said since veteran Jacoby Brissett signed with the New England Patriots in March that he's the "perfect" quarterback to serve as a bridge option and mentor a rookie like Drake Maye.

During a recent appearance on the "Up & Adams Show with Kay Adams," Brissett insisted that he was "far from perfect" as he remained on track to start New England's regular-season opener at the Cincinnati Bengals on Sept. 8.

"Obviously, I appreciate the compliment, but I’m a teammate first," Brissett explained, as shared by Gayle Troiani of NESN. "I’m going out there trying to be a good teammate first. You don’t have to pay me to be a good teammate. That just comes with who I am as a person. … It’s just what comes with you trying to help build the culture of being a good team. That’s something I take pride in and that’s just how I live my life."

As recently as last week, it was reported that Maye is still "working on fundamentals from the ground up" as Brissett prepares to face live defenses in meaningful contests. For a piece published Monday morning, ESPN's Dan Graziano wrote that Brissett "may even start the majority of the Patriots' games in 2024 while Maye gets up to speed."

As of Tuesday morning, FanDuel Sportsbook listed Brissett as the overwhelming betting favorite at -1200 odds to start over Maye (+630) against Cincinnati. While Brissett seemingly understands he isn't New England's long-term answer at quarterback, he isn't lacking confidence regarding what he can offer the 2024 edition of the Patriots.

"Two things can be true," Brissett added during the show segment. "I can be perfect for the situation, but also, I’m the perfect guy to start, too. Don’t take away from it either. I fully expect myself to be the starter as long as I am here. Whatever happens outside of that has nothing to do with me. But that doesn’t mean I little myself for somebody else. That just means I’m not too big enough for a situation where I can go out there and perform but also go out there and help my teammates and help lead this team the right way."

On Tuesday, DraftKings Sportsbook had the Patriots at +155 betting odds to win over 5.5 games this coming season. If New England has only three of four wins when the club enters its Week 14 bye, Brissett likely will have to take a backseat to Maye for the campaign's final four games.