Why Patriots Writer Labeled Drake Maye An Offseason Winner
The New England Patriots could position Drake Maye to sustain last year's breakout.
Why Patriots Writer Labeled Drake Maye An Offseason Winner originally appeared on NESN . Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here . NFL fans shouldn't assume Drake Maye will fall back to earth in 2026.
The quarterback narrowly finished second to Matthew Stafford in the MVP voting and led the New England Patriots to an AFC title during a superb second season. It'll be awfully difficult for Maye to deliver a worthwhile encore, but a bolstered supporting cast could help his cause. The Athletic's Chad Graff identified Maye among New England's offseason winners .
Graff believes the Patriots have strengthened their offense around the 23-year-old. "It’s incredibly rare for a young quarterback to have a breakout season in which he becomes an MVP candidate and then reaches the Super Bowl — and then return the following year to an improved roster with all of the same offensive coaches," Graff wrote. "But that’s precisely what happened for Maye.
" Graff noted that Josh McDaniels will return as offensive coordinator, and the offensive line could improve after New England drafted Caleb Lomu in the first round. Furthermore, Maye could get a new top target if the Patriots complete a highly speculated blockbuster trade with the Philadelphia Eagles. "The team’s wide receivers (with an A.