NFL
Drake Maye’s contract details: How much money does the Patriots’ rookie QB make?
The third highest-paid player in the 2024 NFL Draft has officially been named as the starting quarterback for his team, the Patriots, in Week 6.
The New England Patriots have made a bold and tough decision to bench Jacoby Brissett and start rookie Drake Maye as their quarterback. Maye will make his NFL debut this Sunday against the Houston Texans, making him the fourth rookie quarterback to start this season.
The Patriots hoped to give the rookie quarterback more time to develop on the bench while relying on Brissett to stabilize the team. However, with the team struggling offensively, they seek a spark and hope Maye can provide it.
The Patriots’ offense has noticeably regressed, especially under Brissett, who has faced enormous pressure on the field. Brissett has been pushed on 47% of his dropbacks, the highest rate for a quarterback since 2006, which reflects New England’s poor pass protection. The offensive line has been weak despite Brissett’s efforts, and the team’s overall offensive performance has suffered.
The decision to start Maye may raise concerns. Critics point out that the Patriots’ offensive line is currently the worst in the NFL in pass blocking. Additionally, New England’s receiving corps cannot consistently get open, ranking in the bottom five or six in performance. These issues pose a significant challenge for any quarterback, especially for a rookie making his first professional start.
Analysts argue that young quarterbacks need strong support in the form of solid playcalling, offensive line protection, and reliable skill players—elements that are currently lacking for the Patriots. Offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt has shown promise with his playcalling at times, but the team’s issues up front and at the wide receiver position may make May’s debut difficult.
Drake Maye’s contract details
Drake Maye, the North Carolina alumni and the number 3 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, signed a four-year, $36,639,764 contract with the New England Patriots.
The contract includes a $23,467,100 signing bonus, $36,639,764 guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $9,159,941.
According to Sportrac, in 2024, Maye will earn a base salary of $795,000 and a signing bonus of $23,467,100 while carrying a cap hit of $6,661,775 and a dead cap value of $36,639,764.