Patriots Re-Sign Ex-Jaguars QB Nathan Rourke

The Jaguars are still looking for a No. 3 quarterback.

Ex-Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Nathan Rourke has landed back with the New England Patriots.

After the Patriots claimed Rourke off waivers from the Jaguars last season, the former CFL and preseason star has re-signed with the new regime according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. 

The #Patriots are re-signing former CFL standout QB Nathan Rourke, per source.

New England claimed Rourke off waivers from Jacksonville in December. New regime, but Rourke is returning. pic.twitter.com/tg3RdmcTOL

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 1, 2024

This is a semi-interesting wrinkle for the Jaguars considering they currently have no third quarterback on the roster for the 2024 season. Now, Rourke isn't an option.

Rourke spent most of last season as the Jaguars' No. 3 quarterback before the Jaguars eventually had to waive him to make room for a returning Jamal Agnew. 

After Rourke left the roster, the Jaguars signed E.J. Perry to the practice squad and veteran backup Matt Barkley as the No. 3 quarterback on the active roster. Perry was not signed to a reserve/futures contract this spring and Barkley is an impending free-agent.

Rourke was drafted by the CFL’s BC Lions in 2020 and played with the Lions from 2021-22. He appeared in 22 games (11 starts) from 2021-22 and completed 300-of-395 passes for 4,035 yards and 28 TDs. Rourke completed 78.7 of his passes in 2022, setting a new CFL record and earned the CFL’s award for Most Outstanding Canadian.

Rourke played at Ohio University from 2017-19 and threw for 7,457 yards and 60 TDs in three seasons, leading the Bobcats to three consecutive bowl victories.

Rourke excelled in last year's preseason for the Jaguars and was signed to the practice squad as the team's defacto No. 3 quarterback following the 53-man roster cuts.