Patriots' Jerod Mayo: Drake Maye, Jacoby Brissett in 'True Competition' for QB1 Job

The battle for the starting quarterback position is on in New England.

Following the New England Patriots training camp practice on Sunday, first-year head coach Jerod Mayo told NFL Network's Marc Ross that the battle between 2024 No. 3 pick Drake Maye and veteran Jacoby Brisett is a "true competition."

"It's a true competition," Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo told NFL Network's Marc Ross on Sunday on Back Together Weekend. "You know, what I will say is Jacoby is the most pro-ready guy. I don't want to say, 'obviously,' but he's the most pro-ready guy and he shows it on a day-after-day basis.

"But it is a competition. I think Jacoby has handled it (well). You know, he's still mentoring these young quarterbacks and at the same time competing against them, and he's a very selfless individual and really helping these guys along, including Drake."

This is a change in attitude from Mayo, as he had previously said that Brissett was the starter without "any doubt" and that Maye would need to light it up in order to steal the job.

Maye is set to be the future answer at quarterback, but Brissett's presence adds some flexibility to ease the rookie into NFL life. Brissett signed a one-year, $8 million deal in the offseason and brings eight years of experience to the table. He has 10,574 career passing yards with 51 touchdowns and 23 interceptions, but also carries an 18-30 overall record.

He was brought in to bring stability to a team that went 4-13 in 2023 and his previous experience with the franchise during its 2016 Super Bowl season could be a valuable add to a young position group headlined by Maye.

Maye threw for 8,018 yards with 63 touchdowns and 16 interceptions during his three-season career at UNC and has displayed great arm strength and dual-threat ability.

While easing him in and allowing him to learn under Brissett may have appeared to be the most appealing option, him challenging for the position is certainly something Mayo and the Patriots will welcome.