Patriots Brass Setting Expectations For Drake Maye

What does New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye have for an encore?

After a sophomore season that saw Maye catapult to the top of the league's quarterback rankings, the Patriots captain is expected to continue his torrid start into 2026. But it won't come without questions about his right throwing shoulder, the one that he injured in the Patriots' 10-7 win over the Denver Broncos in the AFC title game and clearly impacted him in the Super Bowl.

Expectations from the team, including the coaching staff and front office, remain sky high as Maye prepares for the Patriots' offseason program beginning on April 20.

"He’s fine. He’s ready to go," executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf said on the Up & Adams Show. "Focusing on getting some improvement on some of the areas we identified. Expect him to be full participant in the offseason program."

Maye downplayed his shoulder injury in the two weeks leading up to the team's 29-13 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, but it was clear it bothered the MVP finalist. He admitted postgame that he took a painkiller pregame, and that rest would be the best medicine moving forward. He's also happy about how his shoulder has felt during the offseason.

"Shoulder's feeling good, feeling great," Maye told Christopher Price of the The Boston Globe. "Just having some time off, being able to get back into throwing and lifting."

In 21 games last season, Maye lit the league on fire. He won 17 games for the Patriots, throwing 37 touchdowns and rushing for another five. His 72% completion percentage led the NFL, he was voted to his second-straight Pro Bowl and was named Second Team All-Pro for the first time in his young career.

But where can he improve? Maye's ability to run with the football has always been well noted, and something people hoped he'd utilize more. Being smart with the ball in his hands, as a runner and as a passer in the pocket, is something to work on. He was sacked 47 times last season, and fumbled the ball 16 times between the regular season and playoffs. Ball security is going to be a crucial part of Maye's growth in year three.

Feb 8, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) against the Seattle Seahawks during Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

His injury hasn't been limiting his offseason throwing, though. He's been spotted at several spots, including Florida Atlantic University's campus and Myers Park (his high school alma mater), to throw to a group of his teammates, including DeMario Douglas, Mack Hollins and Kyle Williams. That leadership earned him his first captaincy nod in 2025, and will certainly trickle into 2026.

Mike Vrabel Applauds This Part Of Maye's Game

"I think his ability to control the game at the line of scrimmage," head coach Mike Vrabel said about his quarterback at the NFL Annual Meetings this week. "Whether that’s operationally, getting us into a better play. Continue to take ownership of the offense."

And while last season didn't end the way anyone wanted, it was a nice stepping stone for Maye's development.

"He’s an extension of (offensive coordinator) Josh (McDaniels), and when Josh sends the play in, we want Drake to own it and bring it to life with cadence, communication, motion," Vrabel continued. "There’s nothing physically. He’s very talented, so continue to push him to lead and orchestrate and conduct the offense."

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