The New England Patriots began the season with quarterback Jacoby Brissett behind center, traded for Drake Maye in Week 6 and could have another trade to end the season. There’s no doubt who the quarterback of the future is, but with no postseason to play in, the team could sit Maye for Week 18.
When asked who will lead the offense in next week’s divisional game against the Buffalo Bills, head coach Jerod Mayo says everything is on the table.
“I would say right now everything is under consideration and we’ll see how the week goes,” Mayo said, via WEEI. “It’s the last game of the season and we have to look forward. It’s a journey. It’s about being present and winning this football game, but we have to look out the front windshield and look at where we want to go.”
He added that sixth-round pick Joe Milton taking the field is “absolutely a possibility,” emphasizing that “all things are still under consideration.” Milton has yet to play in the regular season, so the team may want to take a closer look at what he has to offer before the year ends.
The Patriots may also want to protect their first-round rookie, to avoid any injuries that could impact his offseason or 2025.
Maye took a hard hit last week in their loss to the Los Angeles Chargers and briefly left the game. The No. 3 pick was on the injury report in Week 9. with a concussion he suffered the week before against the New York Jets. He was also on the injury report in Weeks 7 and 8 with a knee injury.
So far this season, Maye has 2,276 passing yards, 15 passing touchdowns, 10 interceptions, 421 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns.
New England controls its own destiny when it comes to the first overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. If the Patriots lose to the Bills, they clinch the top spot. While players still play for pride, the first pick would be beneficial for a rebuilding team.
