Patriots Add Insurance at Quarterback, Select Texas Tech's Morton Late to Bolster Room Behind Drake Maye
The New England Patriots selected Texas Tech quarterback Behren Morton in the seventh round of the NFL Draft on Saturday, sources confirm, addressing what had become an increasingly thin depth chart at the position behind starter Drake Maye. The selection in round seven, pick 245 overall, came as the Patriots looked to add developmental depth to a quarterback room that had featured only Tommy DeVito as backup insurance through the spring.
Per sources with knowledge of the Patriots' draft strategy, the organization had grown concerned about the lack of proven depth at quarterback heading into the season. With Maye entrenched as the franchise centerpiece following his first full offseason as a professional and DeVito serving as the only viable backup, the Patriots viewed the later rounds as an opportunity to add a young arm with developmental potential. Morton's selection represents the team's investment in long-term quarterback development and roster flexibility.
The Texas Tech product brings a unique skill set to New England, according to scouts who evaluated him extensively during pre-draft processes. Morton completed 61.2 percent of his passes last season while throwing for 2,623 yards, 18 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions in limited action for the Red Raiders. His ability to move within the pocket and extend plays with his legs appealed to Patriots decision-makers, sources indicate, even as his overall production numbers remained modest compared to more heralded prospects at the position.
What made Morton particularly attractive to New England's coaching staff, I am told, was his intangible qualities and work ethic in practice settings throughout his college career. The Patriots have long valued quarterback prospects who demonstrate coachability and commitment to improvement over raw talent alone. Morton's willingness to embrace coaching and his competitiveness in competitive environments aligned with what the organization seeks in developmental prospects at the position.
Multiple sources confirm that the Patriots' scouting department had maintained consistent contact with Morton's representatives throughout the pre-draft evaluation period. The team attended workouts and film studies sessions specifically focused on understanding his mechanics, decision-making processes, and ability to read complex defensive schemes. These interactions gave New England's brass considerable confidence in their understanding of his potential trajectory as a professional.
The draft class at quarterback this year presented particular challenges for teams seeking depth, according to executives familiar with the Patriots' evaluation process. First-round prospects commanded significant investment both in draft capital and eventual contract commitments. Mid-round prospects carried their own expectations and salary implications. By selecting in the seventh round, the Patriots secured quarterback depth with minimal financial risk and maximum flexibility regarding his future with the organization.
From a cap structure perspective, Morton's entry into the league comes with minimal long-term financial implications for the Patriots. Seventh-round selections receive baseline rookie minimum contracts with standard NFL offseason and training camp benefits. The organization incurs no guaranteed money, no future dead cap hits, and maintains complete control over his developmental timeline. Should Morton thrive in professional football, the Patriots control his rights through the standard rookie contract and qualifying offer periods. Should he struggle, the organization simply transitions to other options without financial penalty.
This selection also reflects head coach Jerod Mayo's vision for quarterback continuity and organizational stability, per sources close to the coaching staff. Mayo inherited a situation where Drake Maye required mentorship and seasoning at the professional level, a reality that demands experienced backup support. Yet adding another young arm like Morton creates a pipeline approach to the quarterback position. The team can evaluate multiple developmental prospects across different skill sets and backgrounds, maximizing the chance that at least one translates successfully to the professional game.
The Patriots' approach at quarterback this offseason mirrors their broader roster construction philosophy, according to evaluators who track the organization's tendencies. Rather than pursuing marquee free agent quarterbacks or trading significant assets for established veterans, New England has opted for a measured, developmental approach. This strategy aligns with the team's salary cap constraints and long-term financial planning. The organization simply lacks the resources and flexibility to pursue expensive quarterback solutions in free agency or trade markets.
Sources within the organization indicate that Morton will compete for practice squad positioning and opportunities throughout the preseason. The Patriots typically maintain multiple quarterbacks on their practice squad to ensure sufficient depth for training camp work and development. Morton's selection essentially guarantees him an opportunity to advance through offseason programs and demonstrate whether his college skill set translates to professional schemes and competition levels.
The decision to add Morton specifically in the seventh round rather than earlier rounds carries meaningful implications for how the organization values quarterback development relative to other positions. Earlier selections could have yielded depth at wide receiver, cornerback, defensive edge, or offensive line, areas where the Patriots face ongoing roster needs. By waiting until the seventh round to address quarterback depth, the team signaled that addressing positional needs elsewhere took greater priority. This sequencing reflects confidence in Drake Maye's trajectory and willingness to invest long-term in developmental quarterback prospects from later draft classes.
I am told that several other teams showed interest in Morton as draft day progressed, though the Patriots' positioning and quarterback room philosophy made them attractive in conversations with the prospect's representatives. The opportunity to join an organization with recent playoff experience and emerging young talent at the quarterback position appealed to Morton's camp. New England's willingness to provide genuine opportunities for competition and evaluation, rather than predetermined depth chart positioning, also factored into discussions.
The Patriots' handling of the backup quarterback situation throughout recent seasons demonstrates their evolving approach to roster construction. Rather than overpaying for veteran backup insurance, New England has increasingly emphasized finding young prospects with developmental upside. This philosophy reduces spending while creating pathways for young talent to emerge. Morton represents the latest iteration of this strategy, combining draft economy with genuine competitive opportunity.
From a roster management perspective, adding Morton provides the Patriots flexibility heading into training camp. The organization can evaluate three distinct quarterback profiles: Maye, the young franchise centerpiece; DeVito, the experienced backup with previous starting experience in different systems; and Morton, the developmental prospect with athletic upside. This three-tiered approach allows coaching staff maximum flexibility in evaluating offensive schemes, receiver integration, and roster optimization.
The next thing to watch involves how Morton performs during the Patriots' offseason program and training camp periods. His ability to absorb the professional playbook, work efficiently in competitive drills, and demonstrate improvement across key metrics will determine his viability for roster retention. Should he show significant progress during these critical evaluation windows, the Patriots maintain options for practice squad development or even active roster consideration depending on injuries or performance from other quarterbacks.