New England Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo has announced that veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett will be their starter during their 2024 season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals.
The Patriots brought back Brissett on a one-year deal for this season, eight years after he spent his rookie season with the six-time Super Bowl champions. Despite Drake Maye's solid performances during the preseason, the Patriots would let him ride the bench while Brissett takes over.
However, Brissett and the Patriots understand that Maye remains the franchise's long-term option. The rookie quarterback's improvement will shorten Brissett's time as a starting QB. Until the transition happens, it's up to the nine-year veteran to navigate New England to a postseason return.
It's not the first time Brissett has filled the bridge quarterback role. The Indianapolis Colts traded for him before the 2017 season when Andrew Luck suffered an injury. Brissett had his best season in the pros, tallying 276 completions for 3,098 yards and 13 touchdowns. He also added 260 yards and four touchdowns from the ground.
Patriots HC Jerod Mayo just informed his team that Jacoby Brissett would be New England's Week 1 starting quarterback vs. the Bengals, per @Jfowlerespn and me.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 29, 2024
The favorite to start in the battle with rookie QB Drake Maye now gets the Week 1 nod. But Maye's time is coming. pic.twitter.com/MWkn1BYnQm
Two years ago, the Cleveland Browns signed Brissett while Deshaun Watson served his 11-game suspension for violating the league's personal conduct policy. In 16 games, he completed 236 passes for 2,608 yards and 12 touchdowns.
In addition to the Patriots, the Colts, and the Browns, Brissett also played for the Miami Dolphins (2021) to replace the injured Tua Tagovailoa. He also appeared in three games for the Washington Commanders last year.
-Lance Fernandez