14 April 2023 , 11:10
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The New England Patriots have signed a new quarterback to compete with Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe.
Former Penn State quarterback Trace McSorley has signed on a one-year deal, after spending four seasons with the Baltimore Ravens and Arziona Cardinals.
The 27-year-old started a game for the Cards last season in relief of the injured Kyler Murray, but largely struggled. McSorley is seen as a gadget quarterback though, having rare explosive traits as an athlete while also having a strong right arm to push the ball downfield.
The signing comes at an interesting time, with Mac Jones being rumoured to be available via trade. News had emerged that the Patriots could look to move on from their former first-round pick, with head coach Bill Belichick only adding fuel to that fire after refusing to name him their starting quarterback.
Earlier this month, he said on the quarterback situation: "Everybody will get a chance to play - we’ll play the best player." He added: "As a team, we didn’t perform very well last year. So we all need to do a better job. That’s all of us."
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It certainly has appeared that Jones' stock has been trending downwards with the New England Patriots coaching staff and front office after his struggles from 2022.
Jones had an impressive rookie season where he finished second to Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase in the Offensive Rookie of the Year award and was named to the Pro Bowl after leading the Patriots to the Play-Offs for the first time since Tom Brady's departure.
This past season though, he struggled in the Pats' dysfunctional offensive system - after the team did not hire an offensive coordinator along with having a poor roster around him.
Trace McSorley has joined the PatriotsIn March, it emerged that Patriots head coach Belichick has been reportedly shopping Jones to multiple franchises throughout the 2023 offseason.
Currently slated to be the backup, Bailey Zappe has also sent Jones a message that he's ready to compete to be the starter this season, after a strong rookie year.
Zappe had played four games in relief of Jones last year and performed strongly, with some Patriots fans even asking for Zappe to come in and be the starter. And with the door potentially open for him winning the spot, Zappe, and now McSorley, will look to earn their spot on the roster this upcoming season.
The Patriots can not be ruled out on drafting a quarterback in this year's stacked class, with as many as six prospects potentially being drafted in the first three rounds.