One of the few Super Bowl champions left on the Patriots’ roster wants to return in 2025 — and Drake Maye is a “big reason” why.

Drake Maye’s road to becoming the Patriots’ starting quarterback was slow and deliberate. Understandable — the rookie is the franchise’s prized asset who must be treated with care. But once it became official,

The Patriots entered Week 18 with a 4-12 record, tied with the Cleveland Browns, Tennessee Titans, and New York Giants. However, they hold a league-highest 78% chance at landing the pick thanks to their lower strength of schedule, giving them the tiebreaker.

Even with Drake Maye listed on the injury report entering Week 18, the Patriots plan on starting the rookie QB vs. the Bills.

Eight of nine Patriots rookies played in the season finale. Only wide receiver Ja'Lynn Polk was inactive for the win over the Bills.

The Patriots saw all they needed out of Drake Maye this season. Maye played one series in Sunday’s season finale against the Bills before being sat for fellow rookie Joe Milton III. It’s Milton’s first career NFL snaps since being selected in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft out of Tennessee.

Although Alex Van Pelt is still technically on the Patriots payroll, as reports have not revealed him to be let go (yet), a few names have come into play that fans would like to see take over as the playcaller.