FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS — Drake Maye is entering the 2026 season with Josh McDaniels as offensive coordinator for a second consecutive year, the first time in four years he has repeated an offense. Maye participated in New England Patriots organized team activities (OTAs) on May 27, 2026, at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.

Maye played under two different offensive coordinators during his two seasons as the starting quarterback at the University of North Carolina. In his rookie season with the Patriots, Alex Van Pelt served as offensive coordinator but was replaced after one year. McDaniels returned to the Patriots as offensive coordinator ahead of the 2025 season, and in that first year together, Maye led the league in completion percentage and several advanced metrics while finishing as the MVP runner-up.

"It’s nice getting another year in the same offense. It’s been the first time for me in maybe four years," he said. "So, it’s great to have that and have an offensive mind of Coach McDaniels and our offensive coaches are great. So, I’m really looking forward to that, and you got to keep building."

McDaniels’ offensive system is known for being demanding at every position, especially at quarterback, where much of the pre-snap communication falls on the quarterback’s shoulders. He expects greater comfort in his second season in the system. "I think it’s naturally gonna be more comfortable. You know, being in the huddle, saying the play calls, knowing why we’re running the plays. Trying to take the next level of details and details inside each play," he said.

Maye added that working with new offensive teammates has been a rewarding challenge. There is belief within the New England Patriots organization that he can take another step forward in the 2026 season largely because of his growing comfort within McDaniels’ system.