New England Patriots to Start Rookie Maye as Quarterback

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — The New England Patriots are set to make a significant change in their lineup as rookie quarterback Maye steps in as the starting quarterback. The transition comes in the wake of the Patriots’ challenging season thus far, marked by a 1-4 record. NFL Network‘s Ian Rapoport reported the decision on Tuesday, as confirmed by sources.

Maye, who was the third overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, will replace the veteran Jacoby Brissett. The Patriots, after their season-opening victory against the Cincinnati Bengals, have faced a slump, losing four consecutive games. The team currently averages just 12.4 points per game, creating pressure for a change in strategy.

First-year head coach Jerod Mayo previously expressed concerns about the team’s unsustainable performance despite their initial win. Mayo stated, “We have to look at every single unit and every single player and figure out how we use this roster to go out there and win games.” Under Brissett, the Patriots’ offense ranks last in the league in both catches and receiving yards.

Brissett managed a completion rate of 52.9% in his last game, throwing for 160 yards against the Miami Dolphins, a team plagued by injuries. Throughout the season, he has faced considerable pressure, experiencing a sack rate higher than most quarterbacks in the league.

As for Maye, this will mark his debut as a starter against the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium. His brief participation in a previous game against the New York Jets in Week 3 showed a glimpse of his capability, completing 4 of 8 passes for 22 yards. On Sunday, he aims to solidify his position and potentially breathe new life into the Patriots’ offense.

Maye’s development has been closely watched, and with his more agile playing style, there are hopes he will enhance the team’s productivity. This change aligns with the Patriots’ focus on building a sustainable future and nurturing promising talent to restore the franchise’s glory.

The decision also reflects on broader league dynamics, as Maye joins fellow 2024 first-round quarterbacks in starting roles, a move mirrored by other teams like the Chicago Bears and Washington Commanders. The Patriots will face off against the Texans this coming Sunday at 1 p.m. ET as the Maye era officially begins at Foxborough.