Rookie Drake Maye still in it, Pats QB competition 'not over'

Field Level Media|published: Fri 16th August, 10:52 2024

Jun 12, 2024; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) and quarterback Jacob y Brissett (14) throw passes at minicamp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

Patriots rookie quarterback Drake Maye isn't out of the QB competition in New England, head coach Jerod Mayo said Friday.

"We have three more days of training camp practices and it's our job as coaches to evaluate. The competition isn't over," Mayo said on a video conference call. "It's definitely still a competition."

Veteran Jacoby Brissett was declared the leader at the position by Mayo when training camp began. The journeyman in his second stint with the Patriots has started 48 career games bouncing from New England to the Indianapolis Colts, Miami Dolphins, Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders.

"They have to show not only themselves and their coaches, but also their teammates. So, it's definitely still a competition," Mayo said.

Brissett's end-zone interception against the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday night was described by Mayo as a "poor play," and he pointed to earlier comments he made about Maye, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 draft, having an opportunity to win the job.

"If Drake beats out Jacoby, he earned that role ... if he's better than Jacoby, then he'll play, he'll start," Mayo said.

Brissett, 31, is 18-30 as a starter in his NFL career. He started 11 games for the Browns in 2022 while Deshaun Watson served his NFL-levied suspension.

Maye, 21, would need to show more consistency before the Week 1 opener at Cincinnati to overtake Brissett for the No. 1 spot.

--Field Level Media