Just as the NFL free agency cycle begins to heat up, the New England Patriots quietly made a move that could shape their quarterback room for the next two seasons.
It may not be a blockbuster signing, but it signals stability behind their rising superstar.

Patriots Quietly Lock In Backup QB Tommy DeVito With New Two-Year Deal

The New England Patriots have made their first move of the 2026 NFL free agency cycle, securing depth at one of the most important positions on the field.

According to ESPN insider Adam Schefter, the Patriots have re-signed quarterback Tommy DeVito to a two-year contract worth $7.4 million, which includes $2 million guaranteed. The move ensures DeVito remains part of New England’s quarterback room through the 2027 season.

While the signing may not dominate headlines, it reflects the Patriots’ strategy to maintain stability behind their emerging franchise quarterback, Drake Maye.

A Quiet but Strategic Move

DeVito didn’t take a snap in a regular-season game for New England during the 2025 season. However, he was active for every game as the team’s third quarterback, playing an important role behind the scenes.

The 27-year-old quarterback originally joined the Patriots in an unusual way. New England claimed him off waivers at the end of the preseason, bringing him in after his brief but memorable run with the New York Giants.

That earlier chapter helped turn DeVito into a viral figure across the NFL.

Nicknamed “Tommy Cutlets,” DeVito captured national attention during the 2023 season when he unexpectedly stepped in as the Giants’ starter and delivered several impressive performances.

One of those performances came in Week 12 against the Patriots, when DeVito led the Giants to a victory over New England. Ironically, that loss helped position the Patriots to secure the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, which they used to select Drake Maye.

Patriots Choose Long-Term Security

Instead of placing a restricted free-agent tender on DeVito — which would have cost the team roughly $3.52 million for one season — New England opted to sign him to a multi-year deal.

By doing so, the Patriots avoid the risk of losing him in 2027 free agency and maintain continuity in their quarterback room.

DeVito will now continue working alongside Maye as part of the team’s depth chart for at least the next two seasons.

A Strong Fit Inside the Patriots Locker Room

Although he rarely appeared on the field, DeVito became a valued presence within the team.

Head coach Mike Vrabel frequently praised DeVito’s performance while running the scout team, helping prepare the Patriots’ defense for upcoming opponents each week.

DeVito himself expressed a strong desire to remain in New England after experiencing the team culture during the 2025 season.

“Being with this team from Week 1 to now has been amazing,” DeVito said previously. “I didn’t get to go through OTAs or training camp here, so I kind of jumped right into Week 1. But seeing how the team believes in the identity Coach Vrabel has built — and how everyone expects to win — that’s been special.”

His enthusiasm and preparation reportedly made him a valuable contributor behind the scenes, even without seeing game action.

Patriots’ Quarterback Situation Looks Set

With Drake Maye coming off what many analysts described as an MVP-caliber season, there is little doubt about who leads the Patriots offense.

Maye has firmly established himself as the franchise quarterback New England had been searching for since the departure of Tom Brady.

That reality means DeVito’s role will likely remain as a developmental backup and scout-team quarterback, supporting the starter while providing depth in case of injuries.

More Moves Could Be Coming

The DeVito signing may only be the beginning of a busy offseason in New England.

NFL free agency officially opens next week, and the Patriots are projected to have around $40 million in available salary cap space. That flexibility gives the team room to pursue upgrades across several positions.

The Patriots also still have decisions to make on restricted free agents, including defensive tackle Jaquelin Roy and linebacker Jack Gibbens.

While the quarterback room now appears stable, the team could still explore adding a developmental passer through the NFL Draft or undrafted free agency.

For now, however, the Patriots have secured a familiar face behind Drake Maye — and ensured that their quarterback depth remains intact as the new season approaches.