New England Patriots Welcome Back Tom Brady’s Super Bowl 2016 Backup for 1 Year, $8 Million Deal

The New England Patriots are looking for their next QB. Since Tom Brady retired, the quarterback situation for the New England Patriots has been quite unpredictable. Interestingly, they are now attempting to find his successor with the same backup quarterback they acquired back in 2016. The team is now reuniting with their former QB Jacoby Brissett.  

This move comes after they traded away their current quarterback Mac Jones on Monday. Instead, they’ve signed veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett to a one-year deal worth millions with incentives. Looks like the Patriots are changing gears in their hunt for a QB who’ll stick around for the long haul.

Deep dive into Jacoby Brissett’s 1-year Patriots deal

According to reports, Jacoby Brissett’s one-year contract is a $8 million deal, with the potential to earn up to $12 million through incentives. Drafted by the Patriots in 2016, Brissett spent his rookie season as Tom Brady’s backup, even earning a Super Bowl LI ring against the Atlanta Falcons. As a rookie, he only started two games for the Patriots, filling in for the suspended Tom Brady and the injured Jimmy Garoppolo. But this time, he brings valuable experience from his time spent with the Indianapolis Colts, Miami Dolphins, Cleveland Browns, and most recently, the Washington Commanders.

While Brissett hasn’t consistently held a starting role, he’s proven capable in relief situations. His impressive performances in the latter part of the 2023 season with the Commanders showcased his ability to lead scoring drives and manage the game effectively. However, a starting position with the Patriots may not be guaranteed for him just yet.

Brissett might become the backup for New England once more if they choose to draft a rookie quarterback with the third overall pick. The Patriots are likely to view Brissett as a short-term fix as per his one-year contract. Even back in 2016, Brissett spent just one season with the Patriots before head coach Bill Belichick traded him to the Indianapolis Colts, where he has mostly played during his NFL career. Will the Patriots consider him more than just a backup this time?

Patriots look for a revamped quarterback room

The addition of Brissett doesn’t completely overhaul the Patriots’ quarterback room. They still have third-year quarterback Bailey Zappe, who started the final six games of the 2023 season, and veteran Nathan Rourke under contract. This depth provides competition and allows the team to assess their internal options while Brissett holds down the fort.

Read More: Patriots Rumors: Mac Jones Trade Incoming in New England, What’s Next for $15.6M Worth QB?

The trade of Mac Jones to the Jaguars further emphasizes the Patriots’ commitment to finding a long-term solution under center. This move provides the Patriots a temporary solution at quarterback, allowing them to focus on potentially drafting their long-term starter with the third overall pick. Names like USC’s Caleb Williams, UNC’s Drake Maye, and LSU’s Jayden Daniels are all potential targets for the Patriots in the top 5. 

Read More: Deshaun Watson Reflects on His 4–7 Backup Jacoby Brissett Before Taking the Torch of the Browns Offense