"The Patriots rode the stellar arm of All-Pro quarterback Drake Maye right to the 2025 Super Bowl. Only an injury to his throwing arm and a struggling offensive line kept the second-year pro from hoisting the team's seventh Lombardi Trophy."
"Assuming his right shoulder is healed and he stays healthy, the only reason to question his top-rated MVP candidacy is his supporting cast. Why he shouldn't be considered the overall NFL front-runner are the offensive line and his receiving corps. The offensive line will be the primary determinant of whether Maye is the MVP in 2026 or an also-ran."
"The real question is whether the Patriots' front office did enough to remedy the deficiencies of the O-line in the offseason. The prime objective of this and every other offseason has to be to protect the franchise quarterback. If they fail to do that, they risk the future of the franchise."
""Drake Maye came close to winning MVP last season," Moton wrote. "Matthew Stafford edged him out by one first-place vote. Although New England benefited from a relatively soft 2025 schedule...Maye still showed significant growth between his rookie and second seasons. He led the league in completion rate (72), passer rating (113.5) and QBR (77.1)...ESPN's Adam Schefter believes New England will be the landing spot for star wide receiver A.J. Brown. If the Pats acquire the three-time Pro Bowler, Maye could unleash more deep balls for flashy stat lines."
Drake Maye led the New England Patriots to the 2025 Super Bowl, with his throwing arm and offensive line health shaping the team’s outcome. He has since been ranked among potential first-time MVP candidates, behind Justin Herbert and Joe Burrow. His MVP candidacy is questioned primarily by the supporting cast rather than his individual performance. The offensive line is presented as the key factor that will determine whether Maye becomes the 2026 MVP or an also-ran. The offseason priority should be protecting the franchise quarterback to secure the future. Maye’s 2025 production included league-leading completion rate, passer rating, and QBR, and a potential addition of A.J. Brown could improve deep-ball opportunities.
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