Drake Maye’s honeymoon phase with Mike Vrabel shouldn’t be short-lived

Very little went right for the New England Patriots in the 2024 NFL season, as their 4-13 record would suggest. One of the few bright spots however, was the performance of Drake Maye, who, despite arguably the worst supporting cast in the league, looked like he belonged in his rookie season. He looked like a franchise quarterback who might have a high ceiling if the Patriots improve the pieces around him.

The Patriots began improving their organization around the young quarterback by firing Jerod Mayo and replacing him with Mike Vrabel. It might not have been fair to fire Mayo after just one year as the team's head coach, but when someone like Vrabel is available and interested, it's hard to blame New England for making that switch.

That change not only excited a passionate Patriots fan base, but seems to have been one that excited Maye in a big way, based on what he had to say about his conversation with his new head coach.

“He reached out to me and we got on the phone. He’s been awesome," Maye said. "Obviously, [he’s] a guy who’s done it, played in the league and won a Super Bowl. You have a respect for what he’s done and seen what he’s done. I think the biggest thing is he’s been a head coach, and he knows what it’s like. So excited to get up to New England and get things going.”

As exciting as the Vrabel hire is, the Patriots have to make sure that Maye's honeymoon period with his new head coach isn't short-lived.

Patriots must keep good vibes rolling with big offseason

The Patriots have the two most important positions in their organization filled with Maye and Vrabel, but now, they must focus on building a roster to complement them. The Patriots went 4-13 for several reasons — they have holes everywhere you turn on their roster.

Not only are the Patriots slated to pick No. 4 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, but they also have a league-leading $120 million in cap space, according to Over the Cap. The Patriots can and should address needs in the draft, but they can and should address needs in free agency and trades as well. Building around young players is great, but the Patriots will need some veteran talent if they want to win.

Assuming Maye and Vrabel live up to their ends of the bargain, there's a real path forward for New England to make considerable improvement record-wise in 2025 if the right moves are made. Splurging to address key holes in the draft, trade market, and free agency is how the Patriots can continue increasing their stock and keep the good times rolling in Foxboro.