Patriots Have a Drake Maye Problem They Need to Address

The New England Patriots had a storybook 2025-26 season and got all the way to the Super Bowl, but then, the Seahawks happened. The team didn’t look good against Seattle, and that big game is haunting them as the 2026-27 season approaches.

The Patriots have a strong, young quarterback in Drake Maye, but it’s not enough to just have a great signal-caller.

In a piece out on Tuesday, May 12, about each NFL team’s biggest weakness at this point in the season, Christian D’Andrea of USA Today’s For the Win says the Patriots have to get Maye a “gotta-have-it target.”

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“Maye’s protection wasn’t an issue until it was, as his ability to handle pressure declined dramatically in the postseason,” she states in the piece. “Let’s assume Will Campbell continues to grow, Alijah Vera-Tucker stays healthy and Caleb Lomu makes an impact as a rookie.”

She adds: “That will buy him more time, but he still needs a reliable WR1 who can maximize his potential as a young gunslinger like Stefon Diggs years earlier in Buffalo. Romeo Doubs was a nice addition, but unless he’s ready to make a big leap he’s more of a high level WR2 than a true top guy.

My Analysis: Drake Maye and the Patriots Offense Need to Improve in 2026

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While it’s certainly the case that Maye needs a reliable WR1 to toss to in any situation, the Patriots have to improve their offense, in general, in 2026. Last season, consistency was an issue. Rookies often struggled to have consistency in running. So, having a more consistent offense will go a long way, as well adding explosive playmakers. That’s where a WR1 comes in, and it’s true that if the Pats can add wide receiver help, it’ll be one step in taking this franchise to the next level.

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This story was originally published May 15, 2026 at 9:47 AM.