Why Patriots Writer Labeled Drake Maye An Offseason Winner

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NFL fans shouldn't assume Drake Maye will fall back to earth in 2026.

The quarterback narrowly finished second to Matthew Stafford in the MVP voting and led the New England Patriots to an AFC title during a superb second season. It'll be awfully difficult for Maye to deliver a worthwhile encore, but a bolstered supporting cast could help his cause.

The Athletic's Chad Graff identified Maye among New England's offseason winners. Graff believes the Patriots have strengthened their offense around the 23-year-old.

"It’s incredibly rare for a young quarterback to have a breakout season in which he becomes an MVP candidate and then reaches the Super Bowl — and then return the following year to an improved roster with all of the same offensive coaches," Graff wrote. "But that’s precisely what happened for Maye."

Graff noted that Josh McDaniels will return as offensive coordinator, and the offensive line could improve after New England drafted Caleb Lomu in the first round. Furthermore, Maye could get a new top target if the Patriots complete a highly speculated blockbuster trade with the Philadelphia Eagles.

"The team’s wide receivers (with an A.J. Brown trade seemingly on the horizon) should be better," Graff said. "Even the running game should improve thanks to the addition of a fullback, a blocking tight end and a left guard capable of playing at a high level.

"So while it will be difficult for Maye to replicate the success of 2025, the players around him are better this year, and that points to another monster season for the quarterback."

Graff also chose running back Rhamondre Stevenson, offensive lineman Jared Wilson and defensive tackle Cory Durden as his offseason winners. 

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