It’s not exactly news at this point that the Patriots were the most profligate team in the NFL this offseason, that the team committed to spending around $360 million, nearly $100 million more than anyone else, and even when that number is pared down to guaranteed money, they were still tops in the league, at nearly $200 million.
They overhauled the offensive line, with at least three new starters, overhauled the defensive line and the inside linebacking crew. They overhauled the wide-receiver room with veterans Stefon Diggs and Mack Hollins, and promising rookie Kyle Williams. They gave one of their most expensive contracts to bolster a strength–the defensive backfield–by adding Carlton Davis.
Oh, and they dumped last year’s learn-on-the-job coaching staff, bringing in a well-established group of coaches led by former Patriots star Mike Vrabel, who had established a winning program with Tennessee.
But for all those moves, it all will go for naught if the one guy this was all meant to serve does not take leaps forward: second-year quarterback Drake Maye.
Drake Maye: Tired of Losing
Maye has had a busy offseason, in which he squeezed in a wedding between OTAs and the start of training camp. After a promising rookie year, the Patriots need him to be the guy who takes the reins of this team.
On Wednesday, at the opening of camp, he sent a loud-and-clear message that at least shows he is ready for that mantle. He was asked about what excited him about the team, and his answer was plain–these guys don’t want to lose anymore.
“What excites me most?” Maye said. “I think you’ve got guys around here that are tired of losing around here and guys that want to win. I think that’s what excites me most. Guys want to win around here.
“I think the past two or three years around here, the past year for me, I can only speak for myself, but I think there’s guys around here that are tired of losing and want to win.”
Patriots: 8 Wins Last 2 Seasons
Indeed, the Patriots have cratered in the last two seasons, with four wins in 2023 and again in 2024. They have finished under .500 for three straight seasons for the first time since the early 1990s, a span of more than 30 years.
While the Patriots are a rebuilt team, with at least 10 projected starters having come in from elsewhere this offseason, the core group has been around long enough to have withstood the final season of the Bill Belichick era and the disastrous season under Jerod Mayo.
Mike Vrabel Wants Maye to Scramble More
Vrabel has as much at stake in the 2025 season as Maye. And he has been challenging his quarterback to make changes–especially to stay in the pocket longer, or to keep his scramble going longer when he is under pressure.
“He does a great job of giving me points where I can improve, points where, ‘Hey, maybe do this,’’’ Maye explained. ”I think he’s also kind of letting me go, kind of seeing where I’m at. And I think it’s kind of a challenge for me to kind of lead this football team and lead this offense. …
“I think just kind of remaining a passer longer when I scramble, I think that’s big. I’m kind of getting outside the pocket, remaining a passer longer, hoping for some big plays, scramble plays.”
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