Patriots reportedly waive backup quarterback Nathan Rourke
Now, with just four quarterbacks competing for a starting spot, all eyes are on Bailey Zappe and his future in New England.
The New England Patriots are waiving backup quarterback Nathan Rourke Monday, per ESPN’s Mike Reiss.
A once crowded quarterback room will now feature four signal-callers – veteran Jacoby Brissett, Bailey Zappe, and rookies Drake Maye and Joe Milton III.
Rourke’s tenure in New England was short lived after the Patriots scooped him up from the Jaguars’ waivers in December.
Rourke, who played a stint in the CFL for the BC Lions from 2020-2022, entered the NFL ranks with the Jaguars in 2023. After bouncing between the practice squad and the active roster, he made his way to New England just ahead of week 16. While the 25-year-old added depth to a struggling offense, he never appeared in a game.
Rumors surrounding Rourke’s security on the team came into question when the Patriots added Brissett to their roster during free agency, then proceeded to select two quarterbacks in April’s draft.
The Patriots drafted UNC’s Maye third overall, followed by the sixth-round pickup up of Tennessee’s Milton.
Now, all eyes are on Zappe, who started eight games over the past two seasons in New England. According to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport, Zappe could be available for a trade “if it makes sense” for the Patriots.
With rookie minicamp kicking off on May 11, Maye and Milton are the two who could dictate Zappe’s future on the team.
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