Mac Jones is no longer riding solo in the Patriots’ quarterback room.
New England claimed former Panthers quarterback Matt Corral via waivers, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported.
The former third-round pick will compete to backup Jones, who has been the starter since he beat out Cam Newton for the job in 2021.
Corral, 24, joins second-year quarterback Bailey Zappe and undrafted rookie free agent Malik Cunningham — both of whom were waived by the Patriots on Tuesday and then re-signed with the team’s practice squad.
Zappe and Corral will compete for the backup job, according to Rapoport.
Corral was waived by the Panthers on Wednesday after just one season in Carolina.
The Patriots used their one open roster spot to bolster their quarterback room after placing wide receiver Tyquan Thornton on injured reserve.
Zappe has a slight advantage going into a quarterback battle with Corral.
The 24-year-old, who the Patriots selected in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, is familiar with New England’s playbook and system.
Zappe saw regular-season action on a number of occasions last year — and worked his way from third-stringer to Jones’ backup after the starter went down with an ankle injury.
He made his NFL debut in Week 4 against the Green Bay Packers and completed 10-of-15 passes for 99 yards and a touchdown in the 27–24 loss.
Zappe made his starting debut the following week against the Detroit Lions, completing 17-of-21 passes for 188 yards, a touchdown and an interception in the 29-0 victory.
As for Corral?
The Mississippi standout has yet to make his NFL debut.
Corral missed his entire rookie season after suffering a foot injury in a preseason game against New England.
The former Ole Miss star was the 2021 Outback Bowl MVP and won the Connerly Trophy, which is given to the most outstanding college football player in the state of Mississippi.
The Patriots open the 2023 season at home against the Eagles on Sunday, Sept. 10.
New England will honor retired quarterback Tom Brady — who won six Super Bowls in his 20 seasons with the Patriots — during the home opener.