Jerod Mayo: Drake Maye '100 percent' ready to lead Patriots

New England Patriots first-year coach Jerod Mayo isn't ready to name his starting quarterback, but he said Wednesday that he wouldn't hesitate to turn to rookie Drake Maye to run the offense.

"One hundred percent, I think he's ready to run a huddle," Mayo told reporters in Foxborough, Mass.

Veteran journeyman Jacoby Brissett remains listed as No. 1 on the New England depth chart, but Mayo said he will wait until after Sunday night's preseason finale against the Washington Commanders before deciding who will open the season at QB on Sept. 8 at the Cincinnati Bengals.

"I would say by Monday night we should know who the quarterback is. You know, Sunday night game, it's always hard to really crank through the film, especially on the road, but I think Monday, Tuesday we probably should know who the quarterback is.

"Now, that doesn't mean I'll tell you on Monday or Tuesday."

Brissett, 31, is in his ninth NFL season and second go-round with the Patriots after stops in Indianapolis, Miami, Cleveland and Washington. He has appeared in 79 games and is 18-30 as a starter, completing 61.3 percent of his passes for 10,574 yards with 51 touchdowns and 23 interceptions.

Maye, who turns 22 next week, was the No. 3 overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft in April. He was a two-year starter at North Carolina.

--Field Level Media