Retired Patriots' player believes Drake Maye already has Tom Brady effect

"A lot has changed for the Patriots over the last five years, and unfortunately, most of it has not been for the better. Tom Brady leaving the team had a tremendous impact on and off the field, with the most noticeable effect being the team's production, or lack thereof. But it also affected players' desire to sign with the team in free agency, as many throughout the dynasty wanted to play with the legendary quarterback."

"Although Drake Maye is only in his second season, and Mike Vrabel is in his first year as the team's head coach, they've already made a tremendous impact on the roster and players across the league. Many signed with the team specifically for one or the other, and we're now hearing that even a recently retired Patriots player considered putting retirement on hold just to be able to play a season with the young quarterback."

"The highest compliment I could give somebody ... me wanting to play again this year, (Maye) had a lot to do with that. ... In reality, it was like, 'I want to play with this (guy).' ... I believed in him.When you're a lineman, you don't get the ball. But I think what I'm trying to say is, hopefully now these pass-catchers are"

Tom Brady's departure caused a sharp decline in team production and reduced the Patriots' attractiveness to free agents. Drake Maye's emergence and Mike Vrabel's arrival have already reshaped the roster and influenced players across the league. Several players signed specifically to play for Vrabel or to play with Maye. A recently retired center, David Andrews, revealed he considered returning in 2025 largely to play alongside Maye. Maye's play has produced a Brady-like effect that could boost New England's free-agency appeal next offseason. The team’s recent surge has elevated hopes that pass-catchers and linemen will capitalize on Maye's talent.

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