NFL Exec Doesn't Hold Back While Praising Patriots QB Drake Maye

During a conversation with Mike Sando of The Athletic, one NFL exec didn't hold back while praising New England Patriots QB Drake Maye. 

“He’s going to be a 1 very soon,” a personnel exec said. “You know what? Yeah, he’s a 1. Resilient kid, makes plays, underwhelming receiving corps, smart, athletic. Another year with this coordinator, get some big-play guys, I think he’ll be a 1. His makeup and all his football stuff makes me believe he is going to be a good player.”

Maye finished the 2025 regular season with 4,394 passing yards and 31 passing touchdowns while completing 72.0% of his passes. Not bad for a second-year QB.

Maye finished second in MVP voting last season, losing the award to Los Angeles Rams QB Matthew Stafford. New England's offense could be very, very explosive this season with Maye, A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs leading the way.   

Maye enters this season with 6,670 passing yards and 46 passing touchdowns. It will be fascinating to see whether the Patriots can return to the Super Bowl next season and win it all.

Maye and Co. have plenty of motivation after losing to Seattle 29-13 in Super Bowl LX.

"I think that's the biggest thing about it: It's humbling. You've got to get back to work. When you're so close and within reach, you want that feeling," Maye said. "Everybody says, 'You'll be back.' It's not that easy. So, we've got to get back to work, and I'm looking forward to trying to prove to myself that we can get back and just have another year to get a chance at it."

All signs point toward the Patriots being a title contender again in 2026 with Maye leading the way. Maye and New England are expected to agree to a massive extension next offseason. 

The Patriots open the season with a Super Bowl rematch against the Seahawks in Seattle. That's the perfect game for Maye and Co. to get revenge.