If Rourke does not sign with another NFL team, he will become a free agent in the Canadian Football League.

It appears like Canadian Nathan Rourke’s time with the New England Patriots is up.

 

According to ESPN’s Mike Reiss, the Patriots told Rourke that he will be waived.

 

The deal would leave New England with four quarterbacks: veterans Jacoby Brissett and Bailey Zappe, as well as rookies Drake Maye (third overall in the 2024 draft) and Joe Milton (sixth-round choice in 2024).

Last December, New England claimed Rourke off waivers from the Jacksonville Jaguars, and he backed up Zappe late in the season.

 

Rourke has not appeared in any NFL games for Jacksonville or New England.

 

Rourke, a 25-year-old Victoria native, was the CFL’s best Canadian in 2022 after passing for 3,349 yards and 25 touchdowns in just 10 regular-season games with the BC Lions. His campaign was cut short after he suffered a Lisfranc ligament strain in his right foot.

 

If Rourke does not sign with another NFL team, he will become a free agent in the Canadian Football League.