Image courtesy of New England Patriots 

The 2024 quarterback room is going to look much, much different for the Patriots.

After the Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe fiasco that’s played out over the last two seasons, Drake Maye, Joe Milton and Jacoby Brissett will be the guys (most likely) here for the full season. That’s because on Monday morning, Mike Reiss (who will be joining The New England Football Show on Monday night) reported the team told Nathan Rourke he’s being waived. 

Rourke – like other third and fourth stringers that have rotated through over the years – was most likely never going to see any real action unless injuries mounted.

Rourke bounced between the Jaguars roster and practice squad last season before the Pats signed him off waivers in December. The 25 year old from the University of Ohio threw for 7,000+ yards and 70 touchdowns in college (2017-2019), but hasn’t really gotten a chance to shine in the NFL yet.

This also now puts the future of Zappe in question too with OTA’s looming.

Zappe, who will probably still be here through training camp just as another arm, will most likely be looking for a job again unless he’s able to beat out Milton for the third spot. Could that happen? Sure, but other than having knowledge of the area, there isn’t much he can help out the rookies with since an entirely new offensive system is being implemented.

With Rourke now gone and Zappe (presumably) on the way out, we’re officially in the young guy era in Foxborough, with Brissett simply serving as a place holder until the time is right.