Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

NFL Announces Punishment Decision After Drake Maye Incident

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nate Lunak | Last updated Jan 3, 2026 4:30 PM ET

Drake Maye and the New England Patriots improved to 13-3 following their Week 17 win over the New York Jets. It was a dominant performance, coming out on top 42-10.

Maye put together one of his best performances of the season. He finished the game completing 19-of-21 passes for 256 yards, five touchdowns, zero interceptions and a 157 passer rating.

During the Patriots' final drive of the first half, the Jets were flagged for roughing the passer. It was called against defensive end Jermaine Johnson with 1:39 left in the second quarter.

If not for the penalty, it would have been an incomplete pass intended for wide receiver Stefon Diggs. Instead, New England netted 15 yards and an automatic first down. The Patriots ended the drive with an 11-yard touchdown pass to tight end Hunter Henry that extended their lead to 35-3.

New England Patriots quarterback Drake MayeBrian Fluharty-Imagn Images

According to the NFL, a player can be fined $17,389 for their first roughing the passer offense and $23,186 for their second. That meant Johnson's penalty would be up for review for the possibility of a fine.

The league's Week 17 gameday accountability report was issued on Saturday. It held an official ruling for Johnson's hit on Maye. Unfortunately for Johnson, his name did appear among the 25 fines handed out, resulting in a loss of $17,389.

Up next for Johnson and the 3-13 Jets is a Week 18 matchup against the 11-5 Buffalo Bills. It will be their final game of the season after being knocked out of playoff contention.

As for Maye and the Patriots, they take on the 7-9 Miami Dolphins. They've already clinched a spot in the playoffs and the AFC East title.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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