Patriots Retain ERFA Nathan Rourke

Nathan Rourke is the first New England Patriots free agent to return to the team in 2024. According to the report, Rourke agreed to a one-year deal on Friday to remain in Foxboro. The quarterback had been an exclusive rights free agent.

NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero was the first to report.

The Patriots claimed Rourke off waivers from the Jacksonville Jaguars in December. He was active for the Patriots season finale, though did not appear in any games for New England.

Ohio Bobcats

The 25-year-old Canadian began his college career in Canada before transferring to Ohio University. He was a three-year starter for the Bobcats and went 3-0 in bowl games. The dual-threat quarterback finished his college career with 7,457 yards passing, 60 touchdown passes, and 20 interceptions. Rourke also ran for 2,034 yards and 49 touchdowns during his three seasons with Ohio. He earned 2019 First Team All-MAC QB.

BC Lions

Rourke was drafted in the second round of the Canadian Football League Draft in 2020. However, the 2020 CFL season was canceled due to COVID. In 2021 he served as a backup on the BC Lions, before taking over as the starter the following season.

Nathan Rourke’s sophomore season in the CFL was an impressive one. He played in 10 games and was named CFL Top Performer of the Week five times. He completed 78.7% of his passes for 3,349 yards. Rourke also rushed for 304 yards and seven scores. His completion percentage set a new CFL record. Unfortunately, a Lisfranc sprain in his right foot required surgery and caused him to miss several games. The injury also cost him the Most Outstanding Player Award, although he was still named the CFL’s Most Outstanding Canadian.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Following his successful 2022 campaign, Rourke worked out for 12 NFL teams. The New England Patriots were not among the many teams that Rourke auditioned for. He ultimately signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Jacksonville released Rourke as part of their final roster cutdown, He signed back with the Jaguars practice squad. The Jaguars signed him to the 53-man roster for one game, after which he cleared waivers and returned to the practice squad in Jacksonville. He did not see any game action.

The New England Patriots now have three quarterbacks under contract for 2024: Mac Jones, Bailey Zappe, and Nathan Rourke.