Patriots' QB decision makes handling of Drake Maye more curious

New England Patriots reporters, including Karen Guregian of MassLive, have consistently emphasized the need for the team to sign a veteran quarterback who can step in if starter Jacoby Brissett gets injured. It seems that first-year head coach Jerod Mayo isn’t keen on having rookie Drake Maye take significant snaps, especially given that he’d be playing behind what could be the NFL's weakest offensive line.

Mayo spoke with reporters on Wednesday and made it known he's OK with Maye being one play away from becoming New England's QB1 as soon as during this Sunday's game at the 1-2 San Francisco 49ers. 

"That's not in our plans at this current time," Mayo said about 1-2 New England possibly acquiring a journeyman signal-caller, as shared by Sean T. McGuire of NESN. "At this current time, we're just not looking to add any pieces at that spot." 

Mayo insisted earlier this week he believes Brissett "gives us our best chance" to win games. Many, if not most, questioned that take due to Brissett's overall numbers. 

According to Pro Football Reference, Brissett heads into Week 4 ranked 17th among qualified players with a 50.5 adjusted QBR, 22nd with a 79.9 passer rating and 31st with an average of 122.7 passing yards per game. He tossed a single touchdown pass with no interceptions over New England's first three contests. 

Mayo added that Maye has "done a good job staying locked and preparing as if he was the starter." Given the team's lackluster passing numbers and the fact that Maye isn't being kept inactive on game days, one can't help but wonder why the 22-year-old isn't already atop the depth chart. 

On Wednesday, Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer wrote that he thinks Maye will start when the first-year pro "proves to be fundamentally in a place where his progress (footwork and delivery) won’t be undone by getting knocked around and as soon as the Patriots offense shows itself ready to put him in a spot to benefit from playing." 

Suppose Maye isn't yet in that place. In that case, logic suggests the Patriots should add a veteran to their quarterback room to protect the third overall pick of the 2024 draft from having to face defenses in regular-season contests before he's ready. 

In short, there continue to be more questions than answers regarding the Patriots' handling of their quarterback situation this month.