Maye showed plenty of savvy during what else would be considered a rather abysmal Patriots’ campaign. He ranked 21st among 59 quarterbacks who started at least one game in the NFL last season, according to NFL.com’s Nick Shook.

The third overall draft pick completed 225 of 338 passes for 2,276 yards, with 15 passing touchdowns and 10 interceptions in 13 games, 12 as the starter, for the Patriots. The North Carolina product also rushed for 421 yards and had a pair of scores.

“Maye was the memorable silver lining in a very forgettable Patriots season. Despite New England’s lack of talent and general dysfunction, Maye found success and proved he was fit for the job,” Shook wrote.” He has incredibly quick processing for an inexperienced quarterback, is rarely fazed by the opponent and has the physical tools to succeed in the modern NFL. The Patriots should (and hopefully will) build around him, because he’s the successor they’ve sought since Tom Brady’s departure.”

Shook ranked Maye higher than veteran quarterbacks Aaron Rodgers (22) and Russell Wilson (23) and fellow rookie Caleb Williams (28).

There’s a lot to be excited about when it comes to the young signal-caller, even though New England has probably one of the worst supporting casts in the NFL.

New England ranked dead last in passing yards in 2024, with their leading receiver being tight end Hunter Henry, who logged a total of 647 receiving yards and two touchdowns. The Patriots have some nice young weapons with DeMario Douglas and Kayshon Boutte, who combined for 1,210 yards in 2024, New England desperately needs a true No. 1 option for Maye. Free agency may be the Patriots’ best route to find the perfect weapon for Maye.

Bengals star wide receiver Tee Higgins would be perfect as the No. 1 target for Maye. Higgins’ future with Cincinnati is unknown, but the 26-year-old wideout recently dropped a cryptic message on Instagram, stating, “Options are everywhere.” Signing Higgins would be the best-case scenario for the Patriots in free agency.