Ranking 4 possible quarterback duos for the Patriots after Mac Jones trade

Sunday morning, the New England Patriots began an important week by making a significant trade.

Former first-round pick, Mac Jones, was dealt to the Jacksonville Jaguars in exchange for a sixth-round pick. The trade signaled New England's plans at quarterback, which most of us saw coming from a mile away.

Now, the question is, who will be under center for the Patriots to start the 2024 season? And, what happens to Bailey Zappe?

Let's take a look at four realistic pairings the Patriots could make in the coming days and rank them accordingly.

4. Drake Maye and Bailey Zappe

New England is, of course, picking at no. 3 overall in the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft. The top three picks figure to be a quarterback, but at the moment it's unknown what order they'll go in. If you stuck with the majority, they'd tell you it'll go Caleb Williams at no. 1, Drake Maye no. 2 and thus leaving Jayden Daniels for the Patriots at number three.

But, I happen to be more of a Daniels guy than a Maye guy. Maybe it's because of how dynamic an exciting dual-threat quarterback can be. So, that's why we have Maye sitting here at no. 4 out of four possible pairings, along with Zappe sticking around to back him up.

Now, another belief around the league is that the Patriots could bring in a veteran quarterback while drafting one at three, and if they do so, they'll have plenty of options. I want to mention a recently-released Brian Hoyer, who has spent time with New England of course. He could be an option as a veteran backup and locker room presence to help Maye develop. But, for now, we'll say Zappe gets a shot as a backup behind the rookie out of North Carolina.