The New England Patriots drafted a talented new quarterback in Drake Maye. In free agency, the franchise added a veteran in Jacoby Brissett. He could now act as a mentor. Brissett himself is looking forward to the role and the competition

The fact that the New England Patriots drafted a quarterback in the first round probably came as no surprise to anyone. After the departure of legend Tom Brady and the failure of successor Mac Jones, those responsible were looking for a long-term solution at arguably the most important position in the game. With Drake Maye, they may now have found it.

Fellow quarterback Jacoby Brissett, who only returned to New England this offseason, was also unsurprised by the pick. Brissett knows the business. In his eight NFL seasons, he has held starter roles with the Indianapolis Colts and Cleveland Browns as well as back-up roles with the Patriots, Miami Dolphins and Washington Commanders.

“That’s all out of my control, so I’m not worried about that,” Brissett told reporters from “ESPN” on Wednesday. Asked about Maye, he emphasized: “I’m excited to have him on the team and the other guys we drafted. I think it’s going to be good. Competition brings out the best in all of us, so I’m looking forward to that part. “

Brissett has earned a reputation as a good back-up. He is also expected to take on a mentoring role with New England, where he played in 2016. “It’s just about being a good teammate. I think that’s where it starts and everything else depends on that,” said Brissett.

Behind the 31-year-old, Maye could mature while Brissett can spur him on to peak performance. Which quarterback will start the season has yet to be determined.