As the New England Patriots gear up for what promises to be a pivotal season, all eyes are on quarterback Drake Maye. Standing at the helm of an ever-evolving team, both the executive vice president of player personnel, Eliot Wolf, and first-year head coach Mike Vrabel have emphasized Maye’s need to step up as a team leader during his inaugural full offseason as the starting quarterback.
The conversation turns critical with insights from three-time Super Bowl champion and former Patriots linebacker Ted Johnson, who currently hosts on Boston’s WEEI sports radio. Johnson expressed concerns about Maye’s leadership qualities as the 22-year-old edges toward his second pro season. In a revealing chat with Karen Guregian of MassLive, Johnson laid it out: “Whether it comes from leadership, whether it comes from a clutch gene, whether it comes from just being the man, the face of the franchise…I was kind of hoping I’d hear some stories this offseason that he was bringing guys together, that he was throwing with guys.” Johnson’s point underscores a classic football truth—the quarterback needs to be the CEO, the cornerstone of the team, and there are questions about whether Maye has embraced this vital part of the job.
In a league where the quarterback is often the face of the franchise, the Patriots had originally planned to field seasoned veteran Jacoby Brissett last season after drafting Maye third overall in the 2024 draft. Fate had other plans, and Maye took over after just five games, delivering 17 touchdowns (a solid 15 through the air and two on the ground) over 13 games. Yet, it wasn’t all smooth sailing—Maye also ranked fourth in the league for turnovers with 16, according to StatMuse, including 10 interceptions.
Yet, Johnson remains cautiously optimistic about Maye’s potential, stating, “I think he’s a special player with special traits.” The question, however, lingers about whether the mental side of Maye’s game can match his natural talents.
Optimism radiates from the Patriots’ coaching staff, with Vrabel and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels seemingly confident in Maye’s developmental trajectory. This offseason, the Patriots have bolstered their lineup with key acquisitions like wide receiver Stefon Diggs, offensive tackle Morgan Moses, center Garrett Bradbury, and promising rookies including offensive tackle Will Campbell and running back TreVeyon Henderson. Such strategic moves suggest Vrabel and his team are preparing for Maye to steer them toward significant victories this season.
Yet, Johnson’s concerns tap into a deeper narrative: “You need him to be the alpha,” he emphasized, pointing out that Maye currently lacks that commanding presence vital for surviving and thriving in the NFL.
With veteran Patriots set to report to training camp on July 22, it remains to be seen how Maye will interpret and respond to the critiques and expectations swirling around him. The stage is set for Maye to prove he can grow into the leader the Patriots believe he can be.
