The New England Patriots made a splash in the 2024 NFL Draft, building up their offense with almost each and every pick. And that included selecting two quarterbacks.
So at the end of the three days, the Patriots had a total of five quarterbacks on the roster. It was clear that some moves were going to be made.
And they have started.
According to ESPN's Mike Reiss, the Patriots have informed quarterback Nathan Rourke that he is being waived.
That leaves the Patriots quarterback room at four, with Drake Maye, Jacoby Brissett, Joe Milton, and Bailey Zappe.
When the season rolls around, the Patriots could opt to carry three quarterbacks on the active roster and one on the practice squad. Maye and Brissett have a clear spot on the 53-man roster, so that leaves Milton and Zappe fighting for that final spot.
Milton possess a skill that is similar to Maye: arm strength. And because of that, plus his extra years as a leader on a college team, he could be perfect for Maye to work with. Plus having Brissett who is a veteran presence and also has experience both in the Patriots system and working with Alex Van Pelt, could make for the ideal quarterback room.
That would leave Zappe as the practice squad quarterback.
Rourke first joined the Patriots in December after he was claimed off waivers from the Jacksonville Jaguars. He re-signed as an exclusive-rights free agent prior to the 2024 league year.
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