What signals improvement for Drake Maye in 2026?
Typically, statistics are fans’ primary driver in their assessment of a player’s individual impact. Although strong numbers are a byproduct of effective play, it doesn’t always capture the growth between snaps or behind the scenes.
Advertisement
The New England Patriots quarterback concluded last season second in 2025 MVP voting, with 4,394 passing yards, 31 touchdowns to eight interceptions, and another 450 yards and four touchdowns on the ground. He also ranked first in the NFL in several advanced metrics, including total QBR and total EPA generated.
Even though Maye was one vote shy of the award, he was ranked just the eighth-best signal caller by more than 70 league coaches, executives and scouts in an ESPN survey.
One veteran NFC defensive coach called Maye “really talented” but said they need to see more of it over time.
A repeat in MVP contention is difficult for any quarterback, let alone improving on that production. As Maye becomes more experienced, and whether or not he progresses statistically, he could excel in other areas behind closed doors and simply based on the eye test.
Advertisement
Command of the offense
Maye and the quarterbacks reaching another level in their understanding of the offense was a common theme among offensive coaches during the spring practices.
At the mandatory minicamp sessions, coordinator Josh McDaniels increased the offensive tempo, focusing on sharpening how the signal callers quickly diagnose the defense and operate in pressured scenarios. New England’s starter knows “a hell of a lot more than he did last year at this time,” according to McDaniels.
“We’re trying to weaponize Drake’s mind, and all the quarterbacks’ minds,” quarterbacks coach Ashton Grant said during minicamp. “As opposed to just being throwers of the football, we want them to be operators of the offense.”
Advertisement
In a McDaniels-schemed offense, quarterbacks completely orchestrate the attack at the line of scrimmage, setting the run checks and protections while fully dissecting the defense in front of them before even making a decision.
There’s no doubt Maye has the tools to flip any play in the Patriots’ favor. The bigger question entering 2026 is whether he can expand his command of the offense as McDaniels continues adding to a system that places significant responsibility on the quarterback.
Elevating the team around him
One of the main cogs of New England’s 2025 turnaround was Maye’s elevation of a receiver room with many question marks, which was headlined by Stefon Diggs returning from an ACL tear. Diggs had a revitalizing season and became the franchise’s first 1,000-yard receiver since Julian Edelman in 2019, and Kayshon Boutte had a career year as Maye’s favorite deep target.
Advertisement
Next season, all eyes point toward A.J. Brown, who’s coming off a down year in Philadelphia, to excel with Maye at the helm and supply a revamped group with an elite presence.
But as the third-year quarterback continues to master the next step of McDaniels’ offense, he’s taken on a role helping teach the system to his new teammates.
First-round draft selection Caleb Lomu attested to Maye’s mentorship at minicamp, saying the quarterback has constantly offered a helping hand as the rookie acclimates to the league.
“I think it’s fun getting to have new guys in the offense and me try to teach them what I know about it and what I think will be best for us to best execute,” Maye said earlier this offseason. “And I think that’s what’s fun – being out here and maybe trying some different things but also trying just to execute and create positive plays.”
Advertisement
Making those around him more comfortable operating in the offense is a sign of Maye’s growing influence on the team.
Improved decision-making
Ball security became a glaring issue for Maye during the Patriots’ postseason run, as he turned the ball over eight times in four games. While the offensive line played a crucial part in his NFL-record 21 sacks in those contests, his seven fumbles with four lost often put the football in harm’s way.
Throughout 2025, Maye also flashed exceptional pocket awareness to evade pressure and create more opportunities with time, but there were moments when he held the ball for too long.
Advertisement
Maye’s aggressive nature to attack downfield will always leave the quarterback more susceptible to interceptions over the course of a season. The difference will be recognizing when to take those chances and learning to limit giveaways in critical moments.
