Patriots Rumors: Drake Maye 'A Ways Away' from Replacing Jacoby Brissett as QB1

The New England Patriots reportedly aren't close to turning toward rookie quarterback Drake Maye.

"My understanding is he's still a ways away from being on the field," NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Sunday (54-second mark). "The Patriots have not started the ramp-up process. He's still getting about 30 percent of the snaps in practice."

Albert Breer of the MMQB provided more details:

Jacoby Brissett started the first three games this season and has largely protected the ball while putting up unspectacular numbers.

The veteran has completed 60.9 percent of his passes for 368 yards, one touchdown and zero interceptions in his game-manager role. While New England shocked the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 1 and took the Seattle Seahawks to overtime in Week 2, it was blown out in Week 3 during a 24-3 loss to the New York Jets.

Brissett managed just 98 passing yards in that loss to the Jets, and it was natural to wonder whether the Patriots will eventually turn toward their rookie.

After all, he is the quarterback of the future as the No. 3 overall pick of the 2024 NFL draft. This is also shaping up to be a rebuilding season for the franchise that has a first-year head coach in Jerod Mayo.

But Maye's long-term ceiling is also more important for the outlook of the Patriots than individual games this season. So putting him in ideal positions to succeed could pay off in the future, and it seems like the team is taking a cautious approach as he becomes adjusted to the NFL level.

He saw his first regular-season action in the loss to the Jets after the game was already in hand and went 4-of-8 for 22 yards, zero touchdowns and zero interceptions. He was also sacked multiple times in a short amount of playing time, underscoring the concerns about the offensive line.

Next up for the Patriots is a Sunday showdown against the San Francisco 49ers, and it will be up to Brissett to keep them within striking distance against the reigning NFC champions.