It's no secret the New England Patriots need better depth at several positions.
After all, Mike Vrabel opened that can of worms in his post-game press conference following a 24-21 win over the Philadelphia Eagles.
However, despite making it abundantly clear that he doesn't have a "very deep team" heading into the 2026 season, Vrabel may have no choice but to save a precious roster spot for someone who should never see the field.
Behron Morton's unexpected rise alters the Patriots' quarterback plans
Even if you have a superstar quarterback, it's never a bad idea to take a late-round flyer on someone with potential.
If there's any franchise that understands the value of investing in that position, it's certainly the one that took a swing in the sixth round on a gangly signal-caller named Tom Brady.
Of course, expecting a Day 3 pick to become a long-term starter—let alone the greatest player of all time—would be a stretch. In fact, late-round selections are anything but roster locks.
Yet with Week 1 right around the corner, it's clear the Patriots found a prospect worth keeping around beyond training camp. Coming off a rock-solid performance against the Eagles, seventh-round rookie Behron Morton has a strong case to make the 53-man roster.
The former Texas Tech standout completed 13 of 17 passes for 129 yards, including the 37-yard game-winning touchdown to Nick DeGennaro. Morton also filled in as the team's emergency punter, averaging an impressive 44.3 yards on three punts.
The 6-foot-2, 218-pound Texas native has made the most of his opportunities since the Patriots made him the 234th player taken in the 2026 NFL Draft. Even with veteran Tommy DeVito ahead of him, Morton has performed well in practice and preseason action, showcasing some of the skills that helped him amass 71 touchdowns and nearly 9,000 passing yards for the Red Raiders.
Thanks to his intelligence, accuracy, and poise, Morton has gone from a seventh-round flyer to a player the Patriots probably can't afford to part ways with if they want to develop him further.
Instead of rolling with only DeVito behind Drake Maye, the Patriots suddenly look like a team that'll enter the season with three quarterbacks on their roster.
Mike Vrabel faces tough decision with depth issues at other positions
The surprising rise of Behren Morton is a bit of a double-edged sword.
On one hand, it's never a bad thing to have too many NFL-caliber quarterbacks.
On the other hand, keeping Morton (who will never see the field unless catastrophe strikes) means Vrabel will have to sacrifice much-needed depth somewhere else.
Does that mean the Patriots will take a risk and cut ties with a few of their running backs? If Morton stays, guys like Jam Miller, Hassan Haskins, and Lan Larison will be vying for spots on the practice squad rather than the 53-man roster.
With Kayshon Boutte officially out of the picture, the wide receiver room is probably settled for now. But if Efton Chism III is on the bubble, will Vrabel find a way to keep the former undrafted free agent, or keep a third quarterback instead?
Moving to the other side of the ball, the Christian Gonzalez contract situation remains unresolved. Meanwhile, the team doesn't exactly have an abundance of riches at corner behind their starters. But can the Patriots afford to keep someone like Karon Prunty or Kindle Vildor if there are limited spots left?
Vrabel already made it known that he doesn't have a deep team. Yet if the Patriots carry three quarterbacks, that means someone else has to go.
Given that Morton likely won't be active on game day (at least initially), how valuable is it to have him around compared with a player who can actually contribute?
This is the question Vrabel and the rest of the team's decision makers will have to answer sooner rather than later.
But for a team that could use reinforcements at linebacker, tight end, cornerback, and edge rusher, it'll be interesting to see if a seventh-round pick who's a developmental project will find a way to stay in Foxboro for more than just a summer.
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