{"id":962009,"date":"2026-08-02T07:03:18","date_gmt":"2026-08-02T07:03:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/962009\/"},"modified":"2026-08-02T07:03:18","modified_gmt":"2026-08-02T07:03:18","slug":"everything-weve-learned-about-patriots-backup-qb-battle-so-far","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/962009\/","title":{"rendered":"Everything We’ve Learned About Patriots Backup QB Battle So Far"},"content":{"rendered":"

FOXBORO — There isn’t a question about who’ll be the New England Patriots starting quarterback this year. Drake Maye<\/a> has that job under lock and key.<\/p>\n

But what about the two players backing him up? How are they faring in training camp so far, and is that a position battle we need to keep monitoring?<\/p>\n

Well, for seventh-round rookie Behren Morton, he’s always trying to get better each day of practice.<\/p>\n

“There\u2019s always something you can improve upon,\u201d Morton<\/a> said Friday. “I try not to make the same mistake twice.”<\/p>\n

It’s been a fun start for both Morton and second-string Tommy DeVito, who both come into the summer with the same goals — being the best possible backup for the Patriots<\/a>.<\/p>\n

“(Maye’s) definitely more vocal,” DeVito said. “Definitely more confident. I think that goes with going from year one to year two in an offense, growing with Josh (McDaniels), Vrabes, and the rest of the team.”<\/p>\n

\"New<\/p>\n

Jul 25, 2026; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tommy DeVito (16) take a snap at training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect<\/p>\n

Both DeVito, Morton Look Good In Team Drills<\/p>\n

Through three padded practices, DeVito has gotten significantly more reps than his rookie counterpart. The 28-year-old has gone 7-for-8 during 7s and 18-for-29 with an interception during 11s, finding some chemistry with wide receiver Kyle Williams and tight end Eli Raridon.<\/p>\n

Morton, on the other hand, is fostering a kinship with undrafted receiver Cameron Dorner on the third team. He’s gone 5-for-7 during 7s and 7-for-11 in 11s, continually getting better at maneuvering in and out of the pocket.<\/p>\n

“Preparation is a big thing,” Morton said, praising quarterbacks coach Ashton Grant and McDaniels. “When I do get a live rep at it, you know your pulse is low and you can operate and make a good play.”<\/p>\n

For Morton, his snap count shouldn’t come as that big of a surprise<\/a>. After all, the quarterback leading the way is coming off a trip to the Super Bowl. Both him and DeVito know it’s Maye’s team. They’re just trying to help the team in any way possible.<\/p>\n

“I think he\u2019s got a live arm,” head coach Mike Vrabel said. “I think that he learns quickly. I think he\u2019s been able to operate that third group, get those guys going and build a connection with some of the young receivers.”<\/p>\n

The rookie has had some days where he’s given a longer leash than others<\/a>. There have been other practices where he doesn’t get any reps in 7s. It’s a mixed bag for a late-round rookie coming to a team with no sense of a starting competition at all.<\/p>\n

\"New<\/p>\n

Jul 25, 2026; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Behren Morton (15) throws a pass at training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect<\/p>\n

So what goes into the process of giving snaps to the backup quarterbacks<\/a>?<\/p>\n

Mike Vrabel’s Thoughts On Behren Morton:<\/p>\n

“It\u2019s how do you develop a young quarterback,” Vrabel said. “They\u2019ve been in the meetings. They\u2019ve been doing individual drills. So, I think it\u2019s just a balance. It\u2019s just trying to find a balance of how much does Tommy need as the backup and how much does Behren need as a young player that we\u2019re excited about and developing, and then be able to at some point put him in a competition for that job.<\/p>\n

“So, I think it\u2019s just a balance, and then as coaches, we have to provide opportunities for Behren to go and develop into a quarterback in the NFL.”<\/p>\n

For Maye and DeVito — who were together in 2025 — this summer is another chance to grow that relationship in the QB room.<\/p>\n

“Everything’s based on trust,” said DeVito. “Something happens on the field and he comes off, and I say something to him – that he has to trust me enough to believe everything that I’m saying. … But it’s special here.”<\/p>\n

Both DeVito and Morton<\/a> haven’t been in New England for a full year yet. Still, both players feel welcomed in by the region and are excited to be donning a Patriots uniform in 2026.<\/p>\n

“It\u2019s awesome to come out here with the fans, this atmosphere brings a lot of energy and juice to the young guys,” Morton said. “College fall camp (is different). I mean, every single day people are showing out, guys walk on the field. The tradition here is unbelievable. I\u2019m just glad to be a part of it.”<\/p>\n

Make sure you bookmark New England Patriots on SI for the latest news, exclusive interviews, film breakdowns, and so much more!<\/a><\/p>\n

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