New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye demonstrated significant potential during his 2024 rookie campaign. Over 13 games, including 12 starts, Maye recorded 15 touchdowns, 10 interceptions, and 2,276 passing yards with a 66.6% completion rate, resulting in an 88.1 passer rating. His dual-threat ability was also on display with 54 rushing attempts for 421 yards and two touchdowns, earning him a Pro Bowl selection and a top-10 finish in the Associated Press Offensive Rookie of the Year voting.
Assessing Maye’s Potential for MVP Status
Although Maye’s rookie numbers are promising, labeling him a near-term MVP favorite remains ambitious, especially in a conference stacked with elite quarterbacks. NFL.com analyst Eric Edholm recently highlighted Maye as a possible MVP candidate for the AFC down the line, contingent on the Patriots’ improvements around him.
“Maye spent much of his rookie season running for his life, but it didn’t look half bad. The Patriots had plenty of issues during a 4-13 campaign that cost Jerod Mayo his job, but Maye came out of the experience having won over a lot of folks. Now imagine what he could do with what appears to be a far better support system,”
Edholm explained.
Edholm pointed to the return of offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels and the expected upgrades to the offensive line as key factors that could help Maye reduce pressure and perform at a higher level.
“Josh McDaniels is back for another run in New England, and he could help bring out the best in Maye, especially in terms of dealing with pressure. Every element of the offense was given a spring cleaning. If the O-line jells and Maye isn’t dodging free rushers every dropback, the 22-year-old absolutely can become an MVP contender — one day.”
—Eric Edholm, NFL.com Analyst
Quarterbacks Dominate MVP Discussions in the AFC
Edholm’s prediction also reflects the dominant role quarterbacks play in the MVP race, with nearly two-thirds of his team nominees coming from that position. He noted,
“Odds are, the 2025 league MVP will be a quarterback. That’s reflected in our team-by-team nominees for the award, with 22 of the 32 players listed being signal-callers. They’re the overwhelming favorites in a lot of cases.”
—Eric Edholm, NFL.com Analyst
Even so, Maye faces stiff competition for MVP recognition, sharing the AFC with stars such as Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen, Joe Burrow, and Patrick Mahomes, all of whom have established themselves as top contenders in recent years.
Looking Ahead to the 2025 Season
Despite the long odds, New England Patriots fans have reason to be optimistic about Maye’s development as the team prepares for the upcoming season. Training camp for Maye and his teammates is scheduled to begin on July 22, marking the start of another opportunity to build chemistry and improve on last year’s struggles. With improved support and coaching, Maye’s path toward becoming a true MVP contender could begin to take shape as the Patriots aim to rebound in 2025.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Drake Maye intelligent?
A. He understands things very quickly, like a fast computer. This speed has been a bit surprising. Maye has brought energy to the Patriots’ offense.
Q. Is Drake Maye cleared?
A. A few minutes after leaving, Maye came back from the locker room. Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo announced that Maye had passed the concussion test and could return to the game. “He’s been cleared, so we’re eager to see him back on the field,” Mayo stated during a sideline interview with NFL Network.
Q. Is Drake Maye smart?
A. Maye learned quickly, allowing him to adjust to the professional offense faster than many predicted. Now, with McDaniels leading, Maye is using his fast learning skills under an expert known for precise play-calling.
Q. Has Drake Maye been cleared?
A. Patriots new quarterback Drake Maye was cleared after a concussion test and came back to the game against the Chargers. He suffered a hard hit to the head and went to the locker room. After missing one series, the New England Patriots allowed him to return to the field.