Drake Maye and the Offseason Around Him is Patriots' Reason for Optimism in 2026

According to Pro Football Focus, "Drake Maye and the offseason around him" is the New England Patriots' reason for optimism in 2026.  Maye finished second in MVP voting last season, so he will probably be even better this season. The Patriots also acquired Maye a No. 1 WR, A.J. Brown.  "Drake Maye took a major step forward in his second NFL season, finishing the year with an 80.7 PFF grade that ranked eighth among quarterbacks," Pro Football Focus wrote. "His 4.9% big-time throw rate ranked 11th in the league, and if he can cut down on the turnover-worthy plays after posting a 3.3% turnover-worthy play rate that tied for 23rd last season, he could take another significant step forward in 2026. The Patriots dedicated the offseason to building around him, with the additions of A.J. Brown, Alijah Vera-Tucker and Romeo Doubs upgrading three key spots on offense." Maye finished the 2025 regular season with 4,394 passing yards and 31 passing touchdowns while completing 72.0% of his passes. Not bad for a second-year QB. A UNC product, Maye enters this season with 6,670 passing yards and 46 passing touchdowns. It will be fascinating to see whether the Patriots can return to the Super Bowl and win it all. Maye and Co. have plenty of motivation after losing to the Seahawks in the Big Game last season. The Patriots open the 2026 season with a Super Bowl rematch against the Seahawks in Seattle. That's the perfect game for Maye and Co. to get revenge.  "I think that's the biggest thing about it: It's humbling. You've got to get back to work. When you're so close and within reach, you want that feeling," Maye said. "Everybody says, 'You'll be back.' It's not that easy. So, we've got to get back to work, and I'm looking forward to trying to prove to myself that we can get back and just have another year to get a chance at it." Brown had 78 catches for 1,003 receiving yards and seven receiving touchdowns last season with the Philadelphia Eagles. The Pro Bowler enters this season with 8,029 receiving yards and 56 receiving touchdowns in the NFL with the Tennessee Titans and Eagles. Since entering the NFL, Brown is fourth in the league in both receiving yards (8,029) and touchdown catches (56). Brown and Cincinnati Bengals superstar Ja'Marr Chase are the NFL's only two players with at least 1,000 receiving yards and seven-plus touchdown catches in each of the past four seasons.