Patriots QB Drake Maye makes something clear ahead of 2025 NFL season

Drake Maye has been chosen to lead the charge for a New England Patriots team determined to reclaim its once-feared status in the AFC East. The arrival of new coaches and fresh talent has the former North Carolina standout optimistic about a breakout NFL season — and perhaps even dreaming of joining the pack of true title contenders.

Mike Vrabel knows the Foxborough culture better than most — and now he steps in as the Patriots’ new head coach. Maye understands the weight of having the former Titans leader on the sideline and is focused on building strong chemistry with Vrabel to translate that connection into on-field success week in and week out.

“It’s been great with coach; he’s come in here and it seems like he’s been here a while,” the QB said of his new HC to the reporters. “He’s so comfortable being a head coach. He’s done it before; he’s done it at a high level and won a lot of games. So, looking forward to getting things going. You can see he’s trying to kind of install the new identity. I think we’re building toward that, working and trusting his ways.”

Beyond Vrabel’s arrival, Maye showed overwhelming excitement about the way the team has been strengthened. The addition of star wideout Stefon Diggs and the selection of dynamic running back TreVeyon Henderson in the draft have the young QB fired up about what this roster can accomplish — not just on offense, but across the board.

Drake Maye, quarterback of the New England Patriots

“I’m pumped. A lot of new faces. A lot of guys, veterans that played at a high level,” Maye said. “We kind of found answers at a lot of different spots. Hopefully can plug and play, and I think that’s what the point of free agency is. Get guys that can come here and help us win. Help us win now. Add that in with some young talent we’ve had in the past couple of drafts, hopefully we’re heading in the right direction.”

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The value of working with Josh McDaniels

Josh McDaniels is another fresh face on the Patriots‘ revamped coaching staff, aiming to recreate the success he once enjoyed alongside Bill Belichick. Drake Maye is fully aware of what the veteran offensive coordinator brings to the table — and he’s eager to start building that connection right away.

“His stuff works, the kind of proof’s in the pudding,” Maye said. “He coached a lot of different guys; he coached the best to ever do it, so it’s pretty cool getting to watch the old things of Tom (Brady) and see how he does it. And a bunch of different guys have played at a high level in the offense, not just Tom, so it’s been cool to watch and I’m kind of learning the ins and outs of it.“

Building a wall for Maye

Will Campbell was selected by the Patriots with the fourth pick in the first round of the draft, addressing a major weakness from last season: quarterback protection. Upon hearing his name called, the talented offensive tackle vowed to ‘die protecting Maye’ on the field — a promise that resonated deeply with his new QB.

“I listened to it live,” Maye told reporters. “It gets you going, gets your juices going. I think it makes you want to go out there and play football now. Pumped that we picked Will. We got a chance to meet him when he flew in on Friday. Pumped to get things going. Obviously, he seems like a football player. That’s what you want around here.“