The New England Patriots were likely always going to add a third quarterback to their roster, either through the draft or free agency. They gave a definitive answer on where the help will come from behind Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe on Thursday.
According to ESPN’s Field Yates, the Patriots have signed veteran quarterback Trace McSorley to a deal.
McSorley, a former sixth-round draft pick, has played for the Baltimore Ravens and Arizona Cardinals since being drafted in 2019. He actually appeared in six games for the Cardinals and started once in the 2022 season, after quarterback Kyler Murray tore his ACL in a game against the Patriots.
In six appearances, McSorley completed 45 passes for 412 yards, no touchdowns and five interceptions.
The Patriots have signed QB Trace McSorley.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) April 13, 2023
The Patriots are clearly comfortable with Jones and Zappe as their top-two options at quarterback, and McSorley is obviously being brought in as an emergency Plan C option.
If anything, this signing makes it less likely the Patriots will use a pick on a quarterback in the upcoming 2023 NFL draft with McSorley meeting their needs as an extra camp body.
