Meet the Newest New England Patriot: Ian Book

The New England Patriots continue to try and find the right combination for their quarterback room. Today the team added Ian Book to their practice squad. With recently signed Matt Corral remaining on the “Exempt/Left Squad” list, Book gives New England added depth at the QB position.

Ian Book was selected in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft by the New Orleans Saints. He had been a three year starter for Notre Dame, finishing ninth in the Heisman Trophy voting his senior season. Book finished his college career second in Fighting Irish history in passing yards, passing touchdowns and total offense. Brady Quinn is the lone player above Book in any of those career categories for Notre Dame.

With New Orleans, Book played in only one game as a rookie, an emergency start. He struggled, throwing for only 135 yards and tossing two interceptions in a 20-3 loss to Miami. The Saints waived Book on Cutdown Day 2022, and he was subsequently claimed by the Eagles. He stuck with Philadelphia for a full year, though never appeared in an NFL game. He was waived by the Eagles on Cutdown Day 2023.

It is unclear if the New England Patriots brought Ian Book in strictly as a practice squad player. If he is able to grasp the offense quick, he could be given a chance to push Bailey Zappe as QB2 behind Mac Jones. Bill Belichick certainly likes competition, as well as having options, and today he added another option at quarterback in Ian Book.