T.J. Yates: Latest News, Rumors, Speculation on Free-Agent QB

Free-agent quarterback T.J. Yates is trying to catch on with a new team despite having appeared in just 18 games since being drafted in the fifth round in 2011.

Continue for updates.

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Yates Workout with Pats Yields No Deal

Monday, Sept. 26

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported on Sept. 20 that the New England Patriots brought in Yates for a workout but did not make him an offer. On Monday, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported that the Patriots have not made plans to bring Yates in, which is a sign that the team is confident in Jimmy Garoppolo and Jacoby Brissett's ability to recover from their injuries. 

Still, the Patriots could be desperate for help at the quarterback position at the moment. 

With Tom Brady currently serving a four-game suspension stemming from Deflategate, Garoppolo went down with a shoulder injury as the team's interim starter in Week 2 against the Miami Dolphins. 

Brissett, a rookie who completed six of his nine pass attempts for 92 yards during his first-ever regular-season action after Garoppolo left early in Week 2, went on to win his first start against the Houston Texans in Week 3. 

Behind Garoppolo and Brissett is wide receiver Julian Edelman, who played quarterback while at Kent State, per Fox's Michael Lombardi. 

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Yates Doesn't Have History of Success 

Yates would have provided the Patriots with actual NFL experience at the quarterback position, although it isn't expansive. He's started just seven games over his five-year career, posting a 4-3 record, while never appearing in more than six games in a single season. 

During that time, he's completed just 58.1 percent of his passes for 1,534 yards with six touchdowns and eight interceptions. 

However, his performance from last year could have been what put him in the Patriots' initial conversation. On a Texans team that saw five different quarterbacks line up under center, Yates won both games he started while recording three touchdowns and one interception before tearing his ACL. 

But his 49.1 completion percentage in 2015 is a red flag that could scare teams away and could make it difficult for him to catch on elsewhere in the NFL. 

Stats courtesy of Pro-Football-Reference.com.