The Unforgettable Saga: Ranking The 10 Most Pivotal Quarterbacks In New England Patriots History (Updated 2024)
The New England Patriots’ quarterback history is a story of two distinct epochs: the nearly two-decade-long dynasty of the greatest of all time, and the long, often tumultuous search for his successor. As of late 2024, the franchise stands at a critical juncture, navigating the post-Bill Belichick and post-Tom Brady landscape with a new coaching staff and the hope of a franchise-altering rookie at the helm.
This comprehensive look traces the lineage from the franchise's early days through its dynastic peak, focusing heavily on the transitional chaos that followed and the high-stakes gamble on the future. Understanding this history is key to grasping the monumental pressure on the current signal-callers, especially the No. 3 overall pick from the 2024 NFL Draft, Drake Maye, who is expected to finally stabilize the position.
The Pantheon of Patriots Quarterbacks: A Complete Career Profile List
The following list highlights the most significant and pivotal quarterbacks in the history of the New England Patriots franchise, ordered by their historical impact and longevity.
- Tom Brady (2000–2019): The undisputed G.O.A.T. (Greatest Of All Time). Brady led the Patriots to nine Super Bowl appearances and six Super Bowl victories. He holds virtually every major franchise passing record, including 74,571 yards, and defined two decades of NFL dominance.
- Drew Bledsoe (1993–2001): The No. 1 overall pick who revitalized the franchise in the 90s, leading them to Super Bowl XXXI. His injury in 2001 famously opened the door for Tom Brady. He ranks second in franchise history in passing yards (29,657).
- Steve Grogan (1975–1990): A rugged, dual-threat quarterback who spent 16 seasons with the team. Grogan was a fan favorite and held many of the team's passing records before the Brady/Bledsoe era, ranking third all-time in passing yards.
- Jim Plunkett (1971–1975): The No. 1 overall pick in the 1971 NFL Draft. While his best success came with the Raiders, he was a foundational piece for the Patriots in the early 70s.
- Vito 'Babe' Parilli (1961–1967): The franchise's first great quarterback in the AFL era, known for his prolific passing and leading the team to its first-ever division title in 1963.
- Tony Eason (1983–1989): The quarterback who led the Patriots to their first Super Bowl appearance (Super Bowl XX) in the 1985 season.
- Mac Jones (2021–2023): A 2021 first-round pick who was the primary starter during the post-Brady transition. He led the team to a playoff appearance in his rookie year but struggled significantly in his subsequent seasons, leading to his eventual trade.
- Cam Newton (2020): The immediate successor to Tom Brady, signed for the 2020 season. His tenure was brief but marked the official end of the dynasty and the beginning of the post-Brady era's uncertainty.
- Jacoby Brissett (2016, 2024–Present): A former third-round pick who returned to New England in 2024 to serve as the veteran bridge starter for the new regime.
- Drake Maye (2024–Present): The No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. He represents the franchise's biggest investment at the position since Drew Bledsoe and is viewed as the long-term savior.
The Post-Brady Era: A Tumultuous Search for Stability
The departure of Tom Brady in 2020 sent the New England Patriots into an unprecedented state of flux at the quarterback position. The franchise, accustomed to two decades of stability, cycled through multiple starters in a desperate bid to find the next generational talent. This period of transition is crucial for understanding the current state of the team under new head coach Jerod Mayo.
The Cam Newton and Mac Jones Experiment (2020–2023)
The first attempt to fill Brady's shoes was the signing of former MVP Cam Newton for the 2020 season. While Newton brought a different dynamic to the offense, the season was a struggle, and the team missed the playoffs for the first time since 2008.
The franchise then invested a first-round pick in Mac Jones in the 2021 NFL Draft. Jones had a promising rookie campaign, leading the team to a 10-7 record and a playoff berth. However, his performance regressed severely over the next two seasons amid coaching changes and offensive struggles, ultimately leading to his trade to the Jacksonville Jaguars in March 2024.
During this time, backup quarterbacks like Bailey Zappe also saw significant playing time, highlighting the instability and the revolving door at the most critical position on the field. The failure of the Mac Jones era solidified the need for a total reset, which came in the form of a new head coach and a high draft pick.
The Dawn of the New Era: Jacoby Brissett and the Drake Maye Factor (2024 and Beyond)
The 2024 NFL season marks the true beginning of the post-Belichick and post-Brady rebuild. The new regime, led by Head Coach Jerod Mayo, made a clear statement about their intentions by selecting North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye with the third overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Maye is a high-upside, physically gifted prospect, and the Patriots' plan is to handle his development with patience. The team signed veteran Jacoby Brissett, a former Patriot, to serve as the bridge starter. Brissett was officially named the starting quarterback for the 2024 season, allowing Maye to learn the complex NFL offense and adjust to the professional game without immediate pressure to perform.
The 2024 Quarterback Depth Chart
The current depth chart reflects a blend of veteran experience and raw, high-potential youth, a strategy designed to cultivate the future franchise quarterback responsibly. The 2024 Patriots quarterbacks include:
- Starter: Jacoby Brissett (Veteran Bridge)
- Backup/Future Starter: Drake Maye (No. 3 Overall Pick)
- Third String: Joe Milton III (Rookie Draft Pick)
Expectations for Drake Maye's Development
The entire trajectory of the New England Patriots franchise now hinges on the development of Drake Maye. While he is expected to spend much of his rookie season on the bench, the long-term expectations are immense. Analysts and team observers are already predicting a major "Year 2 jump" for the young signal-caller in 2025.
The hope is that by learning from a capable veteran like Brissett and mastering the offensive system, Maye will be fully prepared to take over the starting role and lead the Patriots back to contention. His success is viewed as the final piece needed to restore the team's topical authority and winning culture after the transitional struggles. The New England fanbase is eagerly awaiting the moment the 'Drake Maye Era' officially begins, signaling a definitive end to the uncertainty that has plagued the position since the departure of the greatest quarterback in NFL history.
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