10 Patriots Entering Their Final Season With New England

Week 1 is finally here for the New England Patriots, who'll run out a new-look roster in 2024. New England's biggest additions came via the draft, though the Pats added a couple of veteran playmakers to the mix in free agency.

With Drake Maye in the fold, this year will be about determining which players are worth keeping around their new franchise quarterback. And unfortunately, some guys seem like their time in Foxborough is already drawing to a close.

1. Jacoby Brissett, QB

There was initial excitement when the Patriots reunited with quarterback Jacoby Brissett in free agency. After all, he was a returning member from the 2017 Super Bowl team who's gone on to enjoy a nice career, serving as starter for both the Indianapolis Colts and more recently the Cleveland Browns while being regarded as one of the best backups in the NFL.

Given Brissett's wealth of experience, he was seen as the perfect signing for a New England squad that was likely to take a QB at the top of the draft. He could not only start the entire season if needed but also provide quality mentorship to his young understudy.

However, fans have already soured on Brissett. It's not due to blind rookie excitement, either. The veteran was clearly outplayed in practice and preseason games by Maye, something head coach Jerod Mayo even admitted recently.

That leaves Brissett as the old guy taking reps away from the future of the franchise, and not due to performance. That's a tough situation to be in, as all Brissett will hear from followers of the team is how he's hampering Maye's development and how the Pats would be better off with the rookie starting.

Given the sudden turn against the vet, it'd be no surprise if he quickly bolts next offseason and gets away from the Maye hype train.