Contract Terms
According to reports, Jacoby Brissett will sign a one-year, $8 million deal with the New England Patriots.
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Fantasy Football Impact
In a move predicted by Bob Harris on The Footballguys Fantasy Football Show, Jacoby Brissett chose a homecoming of sorts and is back in New England. Brissett was drafted by the Patriots in the 3rd Round back in 2016. He played three games his rookie season, and then New England traded him to the Colts in 2017.
Brissett took over for an injured Andrew Luck in 2017 and started again when Luck unexpectedly retired in 2019. In those two seasons as a starter, he averaged a 60% completion rate, just about 3000 yards, and 19 total touchdowns. In 2022, the next time he got a chance to start, he was with the Browns and put up similar numbers. Brissett reunites with former Browns offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt in New England.
Bob Harris said of Brissett, "he's a guy to carry the Patriots until whichever quarterback they choose is ready to take over." The Patriots traded Mac Jones to the Jaguars and have the third overall pick in the upcoming draft. It seems a virtual certainty that they will draft a quarterback with that pick. However, Brissett's familiarity with Van Pelt's system means the Patriots don't have to rush their rookie's development.
Brissett is a decent bet to start Week 1 for New England, but a rookie quarterback will replace him when the time is right.
The Fantasy Football Fallout
Brissett only appeared in three games with the Washington Commaners last season and threw just 23 passes. He did throw three touchdowns in that small sample, so that's good for New England. But the Commanders have the second overall pick in the draft and will take a quarterback just ahead of the Patriots. They still have Sam Howell and just signed Marcus Mariota. Brissett would probably have been a better backup than both, but it's not a terrible loss.
Brissett is a step up from Mac Jones or Bailey Zappe in New England. So, in the games he does start, it's a boost for all pass catchers. Looking at his time in Cleveland, he favored targeting his top two wide receivers. starting tight end, and even got running backs involved. Right now, that means good things for Demario Douglas, Kendrick Bourne, Hunter Henry, Rhamondre Stevenson, and the newly acquired Antonio Gibson. However, New England will likely add more talent to the wide receiver room via free agency, the draft, or both.
Stock Watch
Risers
- Jacoby Brissett, for as long as he's a starter
- Hunter Henry
- Rhamondre Stevenson
- Antonio Gibson
- Demario Douglas
- Kendrick Bourne
Fallers
- None
Overview
After years as a journeyman backup, Jacoby Brissett returns to New England, where he started his career. It's a one-year deal worth $8 million for the eight-year veteran. He should start Week 1 but will turn the job over to a rookie, assuming that is the route New England goes in April's draft.