Patriots

Before drafting Drake Maye, Patriots reportedly asked Chargers about Justin Herbert

The Chargers reportedly quickly rebuffed the Patriots' attempt to trade for their star quarterback.

By Colin McCarthy

April 25, 2024

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The Patriots ultimately stood pat and selected a quarterback with the No. 3 overall pick. However, before it drafted Drake Maye, New England reportedly assessed all its options, including a surprise inquiry.

New England was one of at least two teams that called the Los Angeles Chargers about the availability of Justin Herbert in a trade, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Thursday. Los Angeles reportedly didn’t entertain those discussions, though.

However, New England wanted to assess all its options, including a major surprise inquiry, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Assuming the Patriots would have packaged the No. 3 overall pick in a deal for Herbert, they could have created a blockbuster deal before the draft. Herbert was the 2020 AP Offensive Rookie of the Year, and has also been selected to a Pro Bowl. He’ll be a cornerstone for new head coach Jim Harbaugh in LA.

Many other rumors circulated surrounding the Patriots and the No. 3 overall pick. There were reports that J.J. McCarthy could be in play in Foxborough. There was also the option to trade down and potentially draft a quarterback later, like Michael Penix Jr.

In the end, though, the choice that seemed to be the overwhelming favorite is the one New England made. Maye was the highest-rated quarterback available by most draft evaluators at No. 3 after Jayden Daniels and Caleb Williams.

Now, the Patriots have a rookie in Maye and a veteran to guide him in Jacoby Brissett.