Patriots

“They have a lot of holes, but the quarterback in this day and age is probably the most important role.”

It remains to be seen just how quickly the Patriots give the keys to their offense to rookie quarterback Drake Maye.

But even if New England opts to let Maye develop on his own timetable and appoints Jacoby Brissett as the team’s bridge starter at quarterback this fall, count former Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman among those who are buying into the 21-year-old QB’s potential. 

“This is a quarterback league,” Edelman said to Fox News’ Ryan Morik. “Ultimately, it’s going to come down to the guys who are developing him. … It’s gonna come down to this offensive staff to get him going. They have a lot of holes, but the quarterback in this day and age is probably the most important role. I’m excited with Drake Maye.”

Just hearing the stories about how much he likes to compete. He comes from a sports family. His brothers are all legends. I think it could be a great thing for New England. He seems like a guy that’s willing to work, and it’s just about how they’re gonna develop him.”

Maye has already made some strides during his short tenure in Foxborough. Once tabbed as the third QB taking snaps during OTAs, Maye leapfrogged Bailey Zappe on the depth chart and was right behind Brissett in terms of 11-on-11 reps during mandatory minicamp. 

“Yeah, he’s done a great job,” Jerod Mayo said of Maye’s progression this spring. “He’s going  in the right direction. Now, in saying that, we know there are going to be some down days. That’s one thing that I’ve been trying to stress to him is, ‘Alright, just keep chipping at the rock, get 1 percent better every day.’ It’s not always going to be great. He’s done a good job.”

Former Patriots safety Rodney Harrison stressed that New England shouldn’t feed Maye to “the wolves” as a rookie, especially with questions regarding the Patriots’ offensive line and the weapons around Maye. 

But even if Maye exceeds expectations during training camp and preseason play and beats out Brissett for the starting job, Edelman stressed that Brissett is the ideal veteran to staple to Maye’s hip as he navigates his first season in the NFL.

“I think having Jacoby Brissett as his backup is a great guy for Drake to learn from. Jacoby’s been around the block. He’s won football games in the National Football League for multiple teams, and he’s a professional,” Edelman said.

Even with Maye in place, the Patriots are likely staring at a multi-year rebuild during Jerod Mayo’s tenure as head coach. 

But Edelman isn’t ruling out the Patriots as a team that could surprise many once the 2024 NFL season commences. 

“Having a smart, hungry, young head coach that knows players, knows how to communicate with players in Jerod Mayo, and we’ll see what this offensive staff can do,” Edleman said.

“I’m excited for the situation that they’re in. A lot of people are saying they’re gonna be terrible, this and that, whatever. This is the National Football League. Everyone gets paid. A lot of crazy things can happen. I’m excited for this upcoming season for the Pats.”