If there is one position the New England Patriots feel confident about, it’s quarterback. Drake Maye is returning for his third NFL season after finishing second in MVP voting a season ago. Then, veteran backup Tommy DeVito is set to return to New England as well.
Still, a team can never have too many options at quarterback, and there’s a chance that the Patriots will be looking for another backup quarterback in the NFL Draft. That could come in the shape of Texas Tech Red Raiders quarterback Behren Morton.
According to On SI’s Justin Melo, the Patriots hosted Morton on a Top 30 visit. Along with the Patriots, he also took visits with the Green Bay Packers, Carolina Panthers, and New York Jets. Those aren’t the only teams he’s been in contact with, of course, as it’s been a busy process for Morton. He is widely considered a late-round pick after he had a five-season career at Texas Tech.
Everything to Know About Texas Tech Red Raiders Quarterback Behren Morton
GettyTexas Tech Red Raiders quarterback Behren Morton
A native of Eastland, Texas, Morton is now 24 years old as he looks to begin his NFL career. This comes following a college career that had its ups and downs, but was spent entirely with Texas Tech.
Morton got his first opportunity to start for Texas Tech in 2023, his redshirt sophomore season, when he was filling in for injuries. Despite a learning curve, he flashed plenty of talent and would earn the starting job going into the 2024 season.
2025 would prove to be his best season and one of the best seasons in program history. Morton finished the year completing 66 percent of his passes for 2,780 yards and 22 touchdowns to 6 interceptions. That came in 12 games total. Meanwhile, the team would win the Big 12 and go on to play in the College Football Playoff.
However, injuries have been a point of concern in Morton’s career. That includes a shoulder injury that he was forced to have surgery on back in 2024, adding to some concerns about his overall arm strength. On top of that, Morton also dealt with a hairline fracture on his right fibula that cost him time in 2025.
Still, Morton is known for his toughness and his leadership going into the NFL Draft. Those could prove to be valuable qualities in a third quarterback for the Patriots.
How Would the Patriots Use Morton?
GettyTexas Tech QB Behren Morton
The New England Patriots clearly aren’t looking to bring in competition with Drake Maye. The starting job is his. What the team could use, however, is some competition for the backup job.
Tommy DeVito was the third quarterback on the roster in 2025, behind Joshua Dobbs as the primary backup quarterback on the team. However, Dobbs has moved on now after the team decided to release him. So, if they’re planning on carrying a third quarterback again, they’ll need to add that player to the roster.
There is a good chance that Morton would be used as a practice squad player early in his tenure, which, as a smart and tough player, he’s more than capable of doing. If he takes his opportunity and develops, he can potentially move up the depth chart.
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