Jacoby Brissett told Drake Maye not to worry after he was replaced by the rookie as the starting quarterback for the New England Patriots.

After leading the faltering Patriots offense into the season, Brissett has finally been demoted. Across five games, the veteran has posted just 696 passing yards, two touchdowns, and an interception while being pressured on a league-high 50.0 percent of dropbacks.

As a result, Pats head coach Jerod Mayo decided to make a change. Brissett was charged with leading the offense while the offensive line took the time to improve their chemistry and performance, but the unit has struggled for stability due to injuries and poor form.

The Patriots were always going to bring Maye into the fold at some stage, particularly after selecting Maye with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. The 22-year-old will now be tossed into the fire behind the struggling offensive line, and he will face the Houston Texans in his first start.

On Thursday, Brissett spoke to reporters about the difficulty of losing his starting job while gaining insight into an intriguing conversation he had with Maye following the news. The rookie checked in on the 31-year-old after finding out he was benched, and Brissett simply told Maye: “Man, if you’re worried about me, you’re worried about the wrong thing.”

The exchange highlights the level of mutual respect within the Pats quarterback room. Maye is now tasked with improving the New England offense behind a porous offensive line while armed with either inexperienced or ineffective weapons.

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Drake Maye was hit a few times as he made a relief appearance late in the loss to the Jets

Drake Maye was hit a few times as he made a relief appearance late in the loss to the Jets ( 

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Getty Images)

“I think it’s a great opportunity,” Maye said on Wednesday after New England officially announced the quarterback would start Week 6. “Something you dream of, getting your first start in the NFL.

“So excited to get out there with the guys, take advantage of having the full week to get prepared, and try to put my best foot forward and help the team win.”

Throughout the offseason, Maye reportedly showed immense improvement throughout training camp and preseason, showing off his big arm and athleticism. His skills will be needed and likely called upon if he is going to breathe life into the Pats offense.

Last season for UNC, Maye threw for 3,608 yards and 24 touchdowns on a 63.3 percent completion rate. While the Pats cannot expect him to turn them into AFC East contenders overnight, he will be expected to show flashes of his talent.

Maye and the 1-4 Patriots take on the 4-1 Texans on Sunday, Oct. 13.