Jul 18, 2026, 1:46 PM CUT

Drake Maye shares honest thoughts ahead of pre-season for 2026 campaign

DENVER, CO - JANUARY 25: New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye 10 sets to pass against the Denver Broncos in the first half of the AFC Championship Game at Empower Field at Mile High on January 25, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. Photo by Dustin Bradford/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA JAN 25 AFC Championship Game Patriots at Broncos EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon132260125261

Quarterback Drake Maye is ready to get back to football as the New England Patriots prepare to open training camp. Rookies report on July 21, veterans arrive on July 24, and the first public practice is scheduled for the following day.

According to ESPN’s Mike Reiss, the Patriots quarterback spoke about the upcoming preseason during his FlexWork Sports camp, where he shared his excitement about reuniting with teammates. His comments come as New England enters a pivotal 2026 season with Maye firmly established as the franchise quarterback.

"We’re back to getting into the football phase," Maye said. "And that’s the best thing about it. Being around the guys. Training camp is one of the best times for bonding."

Jan 18, 2026 Foxborough, MA, USA New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye 10 high fives the Massachusetts after defeating the Houston Texans in the AFC divisional playoff game at Gillette Stadium, in Foxborough, Massachusetts. /CSM Foxborough USA - ZUMAc04_ 20260118_faf_c04_049 Copyright: xEricxCanhax

Training camp will also give Maye his first extended stretch of work with offseason additions A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs as New England looks to build on last year's offensive progress.

"You spend a lot of time together, and I think, getting used to some new pieces, and looking forward to getting back to it," Maye said after the FlexWork Sports camp, as per Mike Reiss' X post.

Maye is coming off the best season of his young career. The 23-year-old finished second in AP NFL MVP voting after throwing for 4,394 yards while leading the league with a 72% completion rate.

The Patriots also reshaped their quarterback room. Tommy DeVito is expected to back up Maye after Josh Dobbs departed, while rookie Behren Morton joins the group following the 2026 NFL Draft.

A.J. Brown believes Drake Maye has all the traits of a franchise quarterback

Brown has only spent a short time with his new quarterback, but the veteran receiver has already come away impressed.

The Patriots acquired Brown from the Philadelphia Eagles in June, giving Maye the No. 1 receiver the franchise had been searching for.

"He’s a true leader," Brown said on the latest episode of Forged in Foxborough (YouTube @patriots). "He leads the room. It says a lot that a young guy grabs everybody’s attention. This is a leader of men I’m speaking about."

Brown said Maye's maturity stands out despite his age and also praised his natural talent.

"For him to have it so young and him to recognize what he has in front of him speaks volumes, man," Brown added. "The fun thing is that he can make any throw. That’s what you want to see. He does it very easy."

Maye also expressed excitement about building that partnership once training camp begins.

"A.J.’s been awesome," Maye said via Mike Reiss of ESPN.com. "I’m really looking forward to playing with him. I’m looking forward to getting to camp and building some chemistry."

He believes Brown's ability to make plays will help the offense.

"You just gotta throw it near him, and he’ll make a play," Maye said. "He’s a great teammate. He’s been great so far. He loves to win, so we share that."

With training camp set to begin, Brown and Maye will now have their first extended opportunity to turn that early promise into on-field production.

Written by

Evince Das

Edited by

Rudra Dubey