Patriots Cut QB From Roster Ahead of Rookie Minicamp

The New England Patriots continue to make roster moves post-NFL draft as they prepare for rookie minicamp on May 11.

The Patriots left the NFL draft with five quarterbacks on their roster after taking Drake Maye in the first round and Joe Milton III in the sixth round. However, they are now down to four QBs on the 90-man roster to begin the week.

On Monday, ESPN’s Mike Reiss reported that the Patriots informed Nathan Rourke that he’s being waived.

The 25-year-old quarterback did not see any playing time with the Patriots even though he was on the roster as the third quarterback for a couple of games and the backup quarterback for New England’s regular-season finale against the Jets.

Rourke was claimed off waivers by New England late last season after spending the majority of the 2023 season with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

The Jaguars signed Rourke to a reserve/futures contract in Jan. 2023 after playing two seasons with the BC Lions in the CFL, including a breakout 2023 campaign. During that season, Rourke completed 78.7 percent of his passes for 3,349 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. 

He also had 304 rushing yards and seven scores on the ground. For his outstanding efforts in 2023, Rourke was named Most Outstanding Canadian.

With Rourke out the door, Zappe and Milton III will compete for the third quarterback job behind Maye and Brissett. Zappe has the upper hand over the rookie quarterback, but Milton has the upside and arm talent, making this a fun competition to watch this summer.

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