New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel has outlined areas of growth for QB Drake Maye.
While speaking to reporters from Phoenix at the annual NFL meeting, New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel outlined areas of growth for QB Drake Maye.
Vrabel, who coached the Patriots to a Super Bowl appearance last season, wants to see Maye grow at the line of scrimmage in 2026.
"His ability to control the game at the line of scrimmage, whether that's operationally or getting us into a better play. Continue to take ownership of the offense. He's an extension of Josh [McDaniels] and Josh sends the play in. We want Drake to own it and bring life with cadence, communication, all the motion, and orchestrate. There's nothing physical. He's very talented, so continue to push him to lead," Vrabel said.
Despite losing to the Seattle Seahawks in the Super Bowl, New England has a bright future with Maye leading the way. After all, Maye was second in MVP voting last season and he's already one of the best players in the league while being on his rookie contract.
Maye finished the 2025 regular season with 4,394 passing yards and 31 passing touchdowns while completing 72.0% of his passes. He lost the MVP Award to Los Angeles Rams QB Matthew Stafford.
A UNC product, Maye finished the Super Bowl with 295 passing yards, two passing touchdowns and two interceptions. It's fair to wonder how he would have played against the Seahawks had he not gotten hurt against the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship Game.
Maye will not need shoulder surgery this offseason, which is great news for the Patriots. The talented QB shaved his head to raise money for charity on Tuesday, proving once again that he is a terrific human being.
Let's see if the Patriots can get back to the Super Bowl next season and win it all in Year 2 of the Vrabel era and Year 3 of the Maye era. New England added several players this offseason in via free agency, headlined by Romeo Doubs, Kevin Byard, Alijah Vera-Tucker, Dre'Mont Jones, Reggie Gilliam and Julian Hill.
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