The Patriots started the 2024 NFL season with an upset over the Bengals. They followed it up with a disappointing home debut and a 23-20 loss to the Seattle Seahawks.
2024 was always going to be a rebuilding year for New England. Longtime head coach Bill Belichick and the organization parted ways in the offseason, and inside linebacker coach Jerod Mayo was promoted to head coach despite his linebacker role being his first coaching gig.
The Patriots also finally cut the cord with Mac Jones, who had been a disappointment since he was drafted in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft. New England used the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft to bring in UNC quarterback Drake Maye. The Patriots also reunited with Jacoby Brissett, signing him to a one-year, $8 million deal. Let's examine how New England has ordered its quarterbacks to begin the season.
WEEK 3 FANTASY RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
Patriots QB depth chart
| Jacoby Brissett |
| Drake Maye |
| Joe Milton III |
Jacoby Brissett
Brissett was named the starting quarterback in the preseason. The decision was largely based on Mayo's belief that the veteran option gave the Patriots their "best chance to win right now."
Brissett played for the Florida Gators for two years before transferring to NC State. New England drafted him in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft. At that point, he backed up both Tom Brady and Jimmy Garoppolo. Brissett was only with the Patriots for a season before being traded to the Indianapolis Colts in September 2017. He has bounced around between the Dolphins, Browns, and Commanders before returning to New England.
| Team | Games | Starts | Passing Yards | Passing Touchdowns | Interceptions | Record as starter |
| Colts | 46 | 30 | 6,059 | 31 | 13 | 11-19 |
| Dolphins | 11 | 5 | 1,283 | 5 | 4 | 2-3 |
| Browns | 16 | 11 | 2,608 | 12 | 6 | 4-7 |
| Commanders | 3 | 0 | 224 | 3 | 0 | - |
| Patriots | 5 | 4 | 670 | 1 | 0 | 2-2 |
| Career Total | 81 | 50 | 10,844 | 52 | 23 | 19-31 |
MORE: Week 3 Power Rankings | Week 3 NFL picks | Week 3 NFL picks against the spread
Drake Maye
When Maye got to North Carolina, he was backing up Sam Howell. After sitting for a season, he became the starter in 2022. Maye played two seasons for the Tar Heels but helped them not lose a step after Howell went to the NFL. He never won the ACC or anything, but Maye has an impressive arm and a solid ceiling, given the right development.
| Year | Games | Passing Yards | Passing Touchdowns | Interceptions |
| 2021 | 4 | 89 | 1 | 0 |
| 2022 | 14 | 4,321 | 38 | 7 |
| 2023 | 12 | 3,608 | 24 | 9 |
| Total | 30 | 8,018 | 63 | 16 |
Joe Milton III
The Patriots didn't leave the 2024 NFL Draft with just one quarterback. After drafting Maye in the first round, New England selected Tennessee quarterback Joe Milton III in the sixth round. He is closer to a dual-threat quarterback, while Maye is the prototypical pocket passer. Milton III benefitted from the extra years provided by the COVID-19 pandemic. He spent three years with Michigan and then three more at Tennessee.
| Games | Passing Yards | Touchdowns | Interceptions | |
| Michigan | 14 | 1,194 | 5 | 6 |
| Tennessee | 29 | 4,159 | 32 | 5 |
| Total | 43 | 5,353 | 37 | 11 |
