#PostPulpit Mailbag: Is there a rush to trim down the Patriots quarterback room? (2024)

Phase 3 of the offseason program continues as the New England Patriots are set to wrap up Week 2 of OTA’s on Friday while mandatory minicamp — which concludes with Tom Brady night inside Gillette Stadium — is quickly approaching in June.

So, as the work continues before players break until training camp, let’s get into this week’s #PostPulpit mailbag.

I’ve seen speculation that the Pats will pare down the QB room to 3 after minicamp. Considering the potential for injury during the training camp/preseason, would that be wise to make such a move so early? - coolbeanz

The potential for injury is a serious consideration in this conversation. If the Patriots are not ready to start Maye and Brissett gets injured, that leaves Zappe as the lone QB with starting experience. Plus, perhaps a run of QB injuries around the league opens the door to recoup an asset for a player you otherwise would have cut.

But, the Patriots have two main goals in their quarterback room this offseason: 1. Develop Drake Maye and 2. Get Jacoby Brissett ready to start games. Everything else doesn’t really matter.

With four quarterbacks on the practice field, reps are limited to make those two things happen. During the first open OTA, there was too much watching for Maye as he repped behind Brissett and Zappe. Things were better on Wednesday when Milton was absent for undisclosed reasons which left three QB’s on the field.

In a perfect world New England could keep all four and give each guy plenty of reps. That’s not reality though and they need to maximize summer reps (specifically for Maye) before practices turn to game plan prep throughout the season.

In the case of Drake Maye and the looming question of will he start or sit? I believe he will and should sit. The whole team is learning a new offense as Wolf recently pointed out. Let them figure themselves out before adding their star prospect. But, my question really is who makes the call...Wolf or Mayo? I’d assume Mayo will make most, if not all, similar game day roster decisions but this one is franchise making or breaking. - PatsHowYouDoIt

Eliot Wolf was asked this exact question earlier this week on the Up & Adams Show. Here was his response:

“I think those will be some important conversations for us to have. Right now it’s Jacoby Brissett — he’s taking the first reps. And we’re excited about what he’s shown not only off the field but on the field with his throwing ability,” Wolf said. “And then Drake Maye, let’s be honest we’ve had him for about three weeks now. There’s a long way to go for all of our rookies and of our players as we adapt to this scheme that Coach Van Pelt is implementing offensively.

“We’ll have those conversation when they arise. I’m sure it’s going to be a collaborative approach as it’s been so far with really all the big decisions that we’ve made. All four of the quarterbacks that we have on the roster are working hard and ready to go.”

While it will be a collaborative effort, Wolf has passed previous questions about potential game day lineups to Mayo. He’ll likely make the final call as head coach, but it likely will come with heavy influence from offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt, QBs coach T.C. McCartney and senior offensive assistant Ben McAdoo.

What if Jacoby Brisset plays well? Is there any chance they sit Drake for the entire season? - BirdStealsTheBall

This is an interesting part of the puzzle, and Brissett has played very well through the two open sessions of OTA’s to the media. From this point of view, it depends on their record.

If Brissett’s play is resulting in wins, then it would be tough to make a change with the potential to send the wrong message behind the scenes (and to the defense). If Brissett is playing well and the team is still losing, however, the path to replacement is easier.

Who ends up leading the team in receptions? In receiving yards? In receiving TDs?- Matt1102

Assuming Kendrick Bourne eases his way back into things off the torn ACL, I’ll go DeMario Douglas for receptions, Ja’Lynn Polk for yards and Hunter Henry for TD’s.

I was tempted to go Polk for receptions and perhaps fellow rookie Javon Baker for yards as well. I think one of the two rookies will lead one of these categories, but went with Polk as he projects as a great fit as a Z receiver in Van Pelt’s offense which may lead to immediate playing time and reliable production.

Either way, this is the year (for the first time since 2021) an actual wide receiver leads the team in receptions.

Will Joe Milton be this year’s Preseason Hall of Famer and join the likes of Malik Cunningham, Kristian Wilkerson, and that Lil John guy? - GAPatriot

While Milton’s arm is unlike any other, he’ll only steal the show in preseason if the accuracy and decision-making are sound.

I’ll look elsewhere and submit my preseason MVP candidate for wide receiver Kayshon Boutte. With all the receivers they have, Boutte will likely play deep into games and have a chance to pile up the stats.

Pats have about 50 M in cap….that’s a lot of money laying around so will the Pats do something with this and maybe pick up a veteran….and if so, what position? - Patriotpower

I’d still love the addition of safety Justin Simmons. The 30-year old is still a high level player and would give New England a true free safety to free up Kyle Dugger and Jabrill Peppers to both play down near the line of scrimmage more.

Additionally in the secondary, adding a veteran cornerback (hello, Stephon Gilmore) could be a move in training camp if an upgrade is needed over the younger options. Through the two OTA’s we’ve seen, however, the young corners have impressed — specifically Alex Austin.

What have you seen from Jaheim Bell? - c. lassiter

It’s been a relatively two quiet OTA’s from Bell when the media has been in attendance. He’ll be better to watch in the summer when his role will come into larger focus and run after the catch skills will be more apparent with pads on. Nothing to worry about at this point.

What happened to Jett Bush? He was initially was reported as a udfa signing. Then, was not listed in their initial signings. Did something happen? - Gawinonzalez

While originally reported as a UDFA signing, Bush was listed as a tryout player on the rookie minicamp roster.

Should the Pats change the helmet color from silver to white? Should they change the the color rush pants from blue to white. Lastly should they keep Flying Elvis or revert back to Pat Patriot? I’m firmly in favor of ditching the silver and bringing back Pat Patriot. - luckyf*ckikentucky

Anything but the blueberries. I like current setup with the Elvis serving as the primary logo with Pat Patriot used in throwback situations. But, we can come up with better primary jerseys. I’ve always loved a play-off of the Bledsoe-blues and a fan of the custom set below (along with keeping the red throwbacks).

That’s all for this week’s #PostPulpit mailbag. If you have questions you’d liked to be answered next week, submit them online in our weekly submission post or on Twitter using #PostPulpit. Make sure to be following @iambrianhines and @PatsPulpit as well.