When the Patriots released Brian Hoyer last month, it seemed highly likely they were going to add a third quarterback at some point before OTAs. Many expected that to be through the draft, but instead the team made a veteran signing on Thursday.

As first reported by ESPN’s Field Yates, the Patriots have signed 27-year-old quarterback Trace McSorley. The details of the contract were not immediately reported.

• McSorley isn’t a ‘veteran’ quarterback in the same sense that Hoyer was, but he does have four NFL seasons under his belt. Drafted by the Ravens in the sixth round in 2019, McSorley was the third stringer for most of his time in Baltimore. He appeared in three games in three years, completing three of his 10 pass attempts for 90 yards and a touchdown.

  During the 2021 season, he was signed off the Ravens’ practice squad by the Arizona Cardinals, but did not play. Then in 2022, following injuries to Kyler Murray and Colt McCoy, he saw time in six games, making one start. He completed 45-of-83 passes for 412 yards with no touchdowns and five interceptions. He also ran for 61 yards on 15 carries.

  Prior to getting drafted, McSorley was a star at Penn State where he went 31-9 in three years as the starter was a three-time All-Big Ten second-team selection. He also had a now-internet-famous song written about him during his time with the Nittany Lions.

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  DENVER, COLORADO – DECEMBER 18: Trace McSorley #19 of the Arizona Cardinals warms up prior to the game agaisnt the Denver Broncos at Empower Field At Mile High on December 18, 2022 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)

• At 6-foot, 202 pounds McSorley is a dual-threat quarterback who makes his legs a big part of his game. He’s best at creating outside of structure, and teams have to account for him in the running game. Size, lack of accuracy, and issues dealing with pressure were the biggest knocks on his game coming out of college.

  In New England McSorley will add that athletic dynamic to the Patriots’ quarterback room, but likely won’t push Mac Jones or Bailey Zappe for the top two spots on the quarterback depth chart. However, he could have a role as a practice squad player who helps on the scout team when the team has to prepare to face mobile quarterbacks.

  McSorley’s addition likely doesn’t preclude the Patriots from adding another quarterback either. Whether that be a traveled veteran to replace Hoyer, and/or somebody in the draft. The Patriots have often gone into training camp with four quarterbacks on their roster, and they’re at three with McSorley.

  In total, the Patriots now have 75 players on their roster. They’re scheduled to make 11 picks in the NFL Draft later this month.

• Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at abarth@985TheSportsHub.com.

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