New England Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo continues to stand by quarterback Jacoby Brissett as the team's starter. Teammates continue to laud the veteran signal-caller for his toughness and leadership, despite the offensive situation clearly not being ideal.
With that said, it's unlikely Brissett gets benched for a veteran currently not inside the confines of One Patriot Place. It's more likely rookie Drake Maye is the next quarterback behind center if Brissett is not.
But with injuries mounting along the offensive line and Brissett coming off his worst performance against the San Francisco 49ers, it feels like an understandable time to scour the veteran quarterback market. Because if Brissett suffers an injury -- and he's taken some hard freakin' hits -- the Patriots might prefer a veteran journeyman on a cheap deal to take the next beating as opposed to Maye.
Disclaimer: The options are not good, but here are five veteran QBs available on the open market or practice squads:
Ryan Tannehill
Tannehill is the top free-agent quarterback. He played 10 games for the Tennessee Titans in 2023 before he reached free agency. NFL Media's Ian Rapoport reported Tannehill does want to return to the field after spending all offseason unsigned. However, Tannehill said before the season he would be selective in his next opportunity. Perhaps that means he wouldn't be interested serving as the Patriots' pinata.
Mike White
White signed to the Buffalo Bills practice squad two days after he was released by the Miami Dolphins in August. If the Patriots signed White to their 53-man roster it would mean he's spent time with every AFC East team. White showed flashes and he averaged just shy of 300 yards passing during four starts with the New York Jets in 2022.
Bailey Zappe
No way, right? Zappe was released by the Patriots in late August and signed to the Kansas City Chiefs practice squad. The Patriots would have to sign Zappe to their active roster if they were interested. Maybe it's far-fetched given the rocky history. The reality, though, is Zappe worked in the system this offseason and has shown he can start. He would turn the ball over more than Brissett, but his mobility might give him an edge behind New England's hazardous offensive line.
P.J. Walker
Walker started two games for the Browns in 2023 when Patriots offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt was on Cleveland's coaching staff. Walked was signed by the Seattle Seahawks in June and released ahead of the 53-man roster cutdown in August.
Will Grier
Grier spent a few months with the Patriots in 2023 when New England jockeyed between Mac Jones and Zappe. Grier was on the active roster from mid-September to late November, but never saw regular-season snaps. He's made just two career starts, both of which came with the Carolina Panthers in 2019. Grier currently is on the Philadelphia Eagles' practice squad and played against the Patriots during the preseason.
