The New England Patriots are more than just a dynasty — they are one of the NFL’s most iconic brands. But behind every dominant era, behind every Super Bowl ring, there’s been a field general leading the charge. These five quarterbacks didn’t just wear the Patriots uniform — they defined it.
Let’s rank the five greatest QBs in Patriots history — not just by stats, but by heart, legacy, and the power to change a franchise.
1. Tom Brady (2000–2019)
The GOAT. The Dynasty. The Standard.
You can’t just talk about Patriots history without placing Tom Brady at the top — and honestly, you can’t talk about NFL history without him either.
6 Super Bowl titles with New England — the most for any QB with one team.
3 MVP awards (2007, 2010, 2017) and 4 Super Bowl MVPs in a Pats jersey.
219 wins, over 74,000 passing yards, and countless comeback drives.
But Brady’s legacy isn’t just in numbers — it’s in moments. The Tuck Rule game, the 28-3 comeback, the clutch throws under pressure. He transformed the Patriots from a solid team into an empire, and alongside Bill Belichick, built the greatest football dynasty of the modern era.
Tom Brady isn’t just the best Patriot quarterback — he’s the best quarterback, period.
2. Steve Grogan (1975–1990)
The Iron Warrior of Foxborough
Before Brady, before the Super Bowl banners — there was Steve Grogan.
Played 16 seasons with the Patriots, an ironman at a time when injuries ended most careers early.
Known for his dual-threat style — Grogan rushed for 2,176 yards and 35 touchdowns.
Led the team to the playoffs in 1976 and again in 1985, taking them to Super Bowl XX.
Grogan played with grit and a fearless edge, often sacrificing his body for extra yards. He was respected, relentless, and the face of the franchise during years of growth.
Grogan didn’t win a ring — but he earned something else: Loyalty from the fanbase that never forgot his toughness.
3. Drew Bledsoe (1993–2001)
The Bridge to the Dynasty
Drew Bledsoe walked so Tom Brady could run.
No. 1 overall pick in 1993 and the first real star QB in franchise history.
Led the Patriots to Super Bowl XXXI and helped revive a dormant franchise in the ‘90s.
Threw for over 29,000 yards and 166 touchdowns with the team.
His big arm, poise, and leadership turned New England into a contender. And when he went down in 2001… the Brady era was born. But don’t forget: Without Bledsoe, the Patriots might never have become the team they are today.
💬 A pillar in the Patriots’ transition from mediocre to magnificent.
4. Tony Eason (1983–1989)
The Forgotten Super Bowl Starter
Tony Eason often gets overlooked, but he deserves his place on this list.
Led the Patriots to their first Super Bowl appearance (XX) in 1985.
Posted a 10-6 record in the 1986 season and threw 61 touchdowns over his New England career.
Known for his quick release and solid play during a unique era for the franchise.
Though his Super Bowl performance against the Bears was one to forget, Eason played a key role in getting the Patriots onto the national stage.
Eason wasn’t a long-time legend — but he left his fingerprints on Patriots history.
5. Mac Jones (2021–Present)
The Heir — or Just a Chapter?
While it’s still early in his career, Mac Jones deserves a mention.
As a rookie, Jones helped guide the Patriots back to the playoffs (2021), throwing for 3,801 yards and 22 TDs.
Seen as the possible heir to the post-Brady throne — though his trajectory has seen ups and downs.
Jones has shown poise and potential. Whether he rises further or fades into memory remains to be seen. But as of now, he’s carried the team during a transition that few would envy.
The spotlight is bright, but Mac’s legacy is still being written.
Honorable Mentions:
Matt Cassel – Stepped in during Brady’s 2008 injury and still led the team to an 11-5 season.
Jim Plunkett – Played in New England early in his career before winning Super Bowls elsewhere.
Jacoby Brissett & Jimmy Garoppolo – Brief stints, but part of the Brady-era quarterback tree.
Conclusion:
The quarterback position has always defined the Patriots. From the iron resolve of Grogan to the elite arm of Bledsoe, and of course, the GOAT legacy of Tom Brady, New England has seen it all.
Some QBs brought hope.
Some brought grit.
One brought immortality.
These are the true field generals of Foxborough — and their legacies still echo across every inch of Gillette Stadium.
