Report: New England is Releasing Quarterback Nathan Rourke

Nathan Rourke found himself with an uncertain future in New England after the team used two draft picks on other quarterbacks in the NFL Draft. Reports indicate that future has suddenly become much clearer, as news surfaced that the New England Patriots plan to release Rourke.

ESPN’s Mike Reiss was the first to report the release.

The Patriots signed Rourke as an exclusive rights free agent (ERFA) earlier this offseason. New England claimed him off waivers from the Jacksonville Jaguars last December. He was active for the Patriots season finale, though did not appear in any games for New England.

Also Read: Dan Kelley’s New England Patriots 2024 NFL Draft Report Card

Aside from his brief stint in New England, Rourke has already made a few stops along his young football journey:

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 have four quarterbacks expected to fight for playing time (and perhaps a roster spot) in training camp: Jacoby Brissett, Nathan Rourke, Drake Maye, and Joe Milton III.