How Patriots Should Handle Backup QB As Jacoby Brissett Hits Free Agency
The Patriots have a lot of needs to address this offseason, but they can’t forget this decision.
Jacoby Brisssett is set to enter free agency next week. The 32-year-old was entrusted to be the bridge quarterback for Drake Maye. That plan might have been accelerated, but it’s fair to say he performed his job at a satisfactory level. However, is that enough to bring him back?
We say it is. While Brissett is a shell of his younger self, Maye praised the veteran for guiding him through his rookie season. There’s real value in that. Patrick Mahomes also praised Alex Smith for being his bridge guy before he became a superstar in Kansas City.
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Maye also deserves some stability. The 22-year-old entered the NFL with one of the worst situations in the league: a first-time head coach, a first-time play-calling and an awful roster. The least the Patriots could do is give the North Carolina product some stability, especially with someone who’s used to regime changes.
There are also questions around Joe Milton III. Is the Tennessee product really ready to step in if Maye got hurt? We have our suspicions.
First of all, yes, he surpassed expectations and showed real promise in the Patriots’ Week 18 win over the Buffalo Bills. But that was against their B-team at best. While “Bazooka Joe” has a rocket arm, his accuracy and decision-making were key questions coming out of college and why he was a sixth-round pick.
We’re not saying Milton can’t get better, but maybe New England should give him another year of seasoning. You bring Brissett on for another one-year deal to help provide veteran leadership for what’s expected to be a young roster. Those veterans are good balancers for head coaches like Mike Vrabel, who gets hard on players for the right reasons but might not translate well for a younger player. Brissett also has experience with Josh McDaniels and can help his teammates better learn the offensive coordinator’s system.
Brissett’s playstyle was not flashy. On the contrary, it felt like the Patriots’ offense went to a halt with him under center. However, he provides underrated traits that make him a valuable asset for a rebuilding team.