Drake Maye isn’t just answering the call in New England - he’s redefining what it means to be a franchise quarterback in Foxborough. And now, he’s got some serious backing behind that rise. On a recent episode of The Herd, Colin Cowherd didn’t hold back, calling Maye an “all-timer” in the making - a rare label reserved for quarterbacks who don’t just win games, but reshape the league.
“You get a franchise quarterback every year. You get an all-timer about every four or five years,” Cowherd said. “I think we found one.”
That’s high praise - and it’s not just talk. Maye’s second NFL season has been nothing short of sensational, and the numbers back it up.
After two straight 4-13 campaigns, the Patriots have flipped the script in 2025. They’re sitting at 11-2, riding a 10-game winning streak into their Week 14 bye, and leading the league in passing efficiency.
That’s not just a turnaround - that’s a full-blown resurgence.
At the heart of it all? Maye.
Under the guidance of head coach Mike Vrabel, the Patriots have found a rhythm that’s been missing since the dynasty days. Vrabel’s presence has clearly brought a new edge to the locker room, but it’s Maye’s MVP-level performance that’s elevated this team from rebuilding to contending. He’s not just managing games - he’s controlling them.
Through 13 games, Maye has completed 276 of 386 passes for 3,412 yards and 23 touchdowns, with only six interceptions. That’s good for a 111.9 passer rating - elite territory for any quarterback, let alone a second-year player.
And it’s not just his arm that’s doing the damage. Maye’s added 319 rushing yards and two scores with his legs, showing off the kind of dual-threat ability that gives defensive coordinators nightmares.
This isn’t just a flash-in-the-pan season. Maye is checking every box you want in a long-term franchise cornerstone: poise in the pocket, elite arm talent, quick decision-making, and the ability to extend plays when things break down. He’s playing with the confidence of a ten-year vet, not a sophomore still adjusting to NFL speed.
And the results speak for themselves. The Patriots are back in the driver’s seat in the AFC East, looking to clinch their first division title since 2019. They’re also in strong contention for the AFC’s No. 1 seed - a position that felt unthinkable just a year ago.
Maye’s rise has been one of the defining stories of the 2025 NFL season. With the Patriots playing complementary football - a top-five scoring defense backing up a high-powered offense - New England suddenly looks like a team built for January.
Cowherd’s “all-timer” comment might’ve raised some eyebrows, but if Maye keeps playing at this level, it won’t sound like hyperbole for long. The Patriots didn’t just find their quarterback of the future - they may have found the next great one.