Usually not an organization marred by quarterback controversy, that’s unfortunately been the story of the New England Patriots offseason. Between rumors that Bill Belichick was shopping Mac Jones and that Lamar Jackson reportedly wants to play for New England, there’s been no shortage of news at this position this offseason. And that’s without mentioning that Belichick has yet to commit to a starter at the portion.
Amidst all that controversy, the Patriots elected to make a move at the quarterback position on Thursday. ESPN NFL insider Field Yates reported that the Patriots have signed former Baltimore Ravens and Arizona Cardinals quarterback Trace McSorley. The deal is reportedly for one year, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, who said that the Patriots were looking for a mobile third QB throughout the free agency period.
It’s unlikely that McSorley will be pushing Jones or Bailey Zappe for the starting quarterback position, but he does provide insurance and some starter experience at that. McSorley has made one career start, which came last season with the Cardinals. He completed 24-of-45 pass attempts for 217 yards in a 19-16 overtime loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
In nine career games, the Penn State product has completed 51.6 percent of his passes for 502 yards with one touchdown and five interceptions.
The NFL world reacted to the huge Patriots quarterback news on social media:
Bill just collecting goofy named QBs at this point https://t.co/RE5RH3IWqW
— Jayson al Gaib (@Handsome_Jake_) April 13, 2023
Probably doesn’t preclude drafting a QB, but solid depth https://t.co/JlYVq2Zh2N
— Khari Thompson (@kdthompson5) April 13, 2023
Trace McSorley is the next Tom Brady. This is a fact. https://t.co/YTmgE4BMTq
— Jaret Gold (@JaretGold) April 13, 2023
Surely the first athlete named McSorley to play in New England. Can't remember any previous instances https://t.co/Jqlo9bfbhq
— Pete Blackburn (@PeteBlackburn) April 13, 2023
This means Trace is back with Mike Gesicki and working with Bill O’Brien. https://t.co/4Mu2UPeJ4D
— Ben Jones (@Ben_Jones88) April 13, 2023
The #Patriots were going to add another quarterback at some point with only Mac and Zappe on the roster. https://t.co/gQSpj2CJxQ
— Evan Lazar (@ezlazar) April 13, 2023
Not exactly the splash people were looking for https://t.co/QeG9UEA5xn
— Mike Cronin Jr. (@MikeCroninWMUR) April 13, 2023
