The New England Patriots will open up their 2024 NFL season on the road in Cincinnati on September 8th. And when they do, it will be quarterback Jacoby Brissett as the starter.

Head coach Jerod Mayo told his players in a team meeting on Thursday that Brissett would be the starter after an offseason of competition. NFL Network reporter Ian Rapoport reported the news.

Maye had a strong offseason and preseason with the Patriots in the competition, but in the end, the Patriots went with the backup to start the year.

That might be best for Maye, too. Despite outplaying Brissett to Mayo's own admission, the Patriots' roster is considered one of the weaker ones in the NFL going into this season. So throwing Maye into the fire might not be the best idea right away.

Despite Maye not being the starter to open the year, it doesn't mean the former North Carolina standout won't see any action. New England's plan could be to get him experience at some point this season as long as Brissett doesn't go on a big tear to keep the job.

The chances of Maye starting a game in 2024 are still high and the rookie should be able to go out there and prove why he was worthy of being the No. 3 pick in the 2024 NFL draft.

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This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire : Drake Maye to start career as backup with Patriots