Jacoby Brissett on working with new Patriots QB Drake Maye: 'Competition brings out the best in all of us'
The New England Patriots selected quarterback Drake Maye in the draft, and Jacoby Brissett is ready to battle him for the starting role. Brissett recently spoke to reporters at a local event and was asked about the Patriots adding Maye, who is expected to be the franchise quarterback.
“That’s all out of my control, so I don’t really worry about that,” Brissett said, per Mike Reiss of ESPN. “I’m excited to have him on the team and the other guys as well that we drafted and picked up. I think it’s gonna be good. Competition brings out the best in all of us, so I’m excited about that part.”
Brissett joins the Patriots after spending time with multiple NFL teams over the years. He brings a lot of experience and is expected to be a mentor to Maye. But Brissett said it’s not that simple.
“Those things just happen because it’s not necessarily for just one specific player. It’s for the whole team,” Brissett said. “I’m seeking mentorship as well. So it’s an ongoing process. It’s just being a good teammate. I think that’s where it starts, and then everything else plays off of that.”
Drake Maye is ready to learn from Jacoby Brissett
Brissett may not be a mentor to Maye right away, but that doesn’t mean the former North Carolina QB can’t learn for him. During his introductory press conference, Maye talked about being in the quarterback room with Brissett.
“He’s been so many different places, so many different offenses,” Maye said, per the Patriots’ official website. “I think he’s been in this offense before with Coach [Alex] Van Pelt, and I’m just looking forward to getting to learn from him. I know he’s an old guy, old vet, and he can still play. So, I’m looking forward to contributing in any way, I’m looking forward to getting to see him, and I know he’s the man.”
Maye also talked about meeting Brissett for the first time. “I met him through Sam Howell,” he said. “He was with the Commanders. So, I was able to meet him through mutual friends. They’re great buddies, and Sam speaks so highly of him. So, I got to meet Jacoby, and I’m looking forward to getting in the same room again.”
Brissett was drafted by the Patriots in the third round back in 2016. He spent one season as a backup for Tom Brady and helped the team win the Super Bowl. Brissett then spent time with the Indianapolis Colts, Miami Dolphins, Cleveland Browns and the Washington Commanders before returning to New England in March.