New England Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo. Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images

Did Jerod Mayo hint at QB change for Patriots?

By Victor Barbosa | Last updated Oct 7, 2024 11:35 AM ET

The New England Patriots may finally be handing over the starting quarterback reins to rookie Drake Maye, according to multiple insiders.

Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo appeared on WEEI's "The Greg Hill Show" on Monday and was asked yet again about the team's signal-caller situation.

Numerous reporters noted the change in tone of Mayo, hinting that Maye could be in line to replace veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett under center as soon as Sunday's Week 6 contest against the Houston Texans.

Question (via @TheGregHillShow): Do you feel, at this moment right now, Jacoby Brissett still gives you the best chance of winning?

Jerod Mayo: "Look, we haven't had our full staff meeting today. That's a conversation, not only at that spot but all the spots, of how to get…
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) October 7, 2024

A QB change could soon be coming to New England, with rookie first-round pick Drake Maye potentially starting Sunday vs. the Texans. https://t.co/upeylmzyyR
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 7, 2024

Mayo has been insistent the day after games that Brissett has been the guy. He used an out today about staff meetings, and didn't utter the "Jacoby is our starter. 100%." None of that. Feels like a switch to Maye is more on the table than it's been at any point.
— Mike Giardi (@MikeGiardi) October 7, 2024

Media members theorized last week that longtime center David Andrews' season-ending shoulder injury could lead to Maye's installment as QB1 being delayed. Mayo dismissed that idea, however.

Maye has appeared in only one contest off New England's bench this season, as Brissett has started all five games and led the group to a 1-4 start. The Patriots upset the Cincinnati Bengals, 16-10, in Week 1 on the road but have since lost four in a row and been outscored 91-46. The team has the ninth-ranked defense (20.4 points allowed per game), but the 31st-ranked offense (12.4 points per contest).

Brissett has gone 79-for-135 (58.5 completion percentage) for 696 passing yards with two touchdowns and one interception. Maye took 16 snaps in New England's Week 3 defeat against the New York Jets and finished 4-for-8 for 22 passing yards.

The Patriots selected Maye with the third overall pick in April's NFL Draft, so it's clear that the UNC product is the future quarterback of the franchise. Now, it's just a matter of how much longer Mayo is willing to go with the struggling veteran.

Victor Barbosa

Victor Barbosa is a passionate follower of MLB, the NBA and NFL, with a deep interest in Boston-area teams. He graduated from Springfield College -- The Birthplace of Basketball -- in 2013 with a degree in Communications-Sports Journalism. Previous bylines include FanSided, Heavy and Syracuse

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