The New England Patriots are re-signing Canadian quarterback Nathan Rourke, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
The former B.C. Lions quarterback was claimed off waivers by the Patriots in December from the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Rourke, 25, spent the 2021 and 2022 seasons with the Lions, passing for 4035 yards and 28 touchdowns in 22 games and 11 starts under centre. He was named the CFL’s Most Outstanding Canadian in 2022 despite missing nearly half of the regular season due to injury.
Following that season, Rourke signed a three-year contract with Jacksonville.
The Jaguars signed the Victoria, B.C., native to their active roster three times last season before losing him to the Patriots.
New England went 4-13 in 2023 with Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe handling the starting QB duties.
The Patriots should be a different looking team in the upcoming season, after firing head coach Bill Belichick and owning the third-overall pick in 2024 draft.