Why Drake Maye Is the Patriots’ Most Underpaid Player

Originally posted on Gridiron Heroics
By Angelo Guinhawa | Last updated Mar 26, 2026 4:34 AM ET

The New England Patriots are entering a pivotal phase as they build around young quarterback Drake Maye. Despite his importance to the franchise, Maye has emerged as one of the team’s most underpaid players.

Maye, still on his rookie contract, carries a relatively modest salary compared to other starting quarterbacks across the league. His compensation reflects his draft status rather than his growing influence on the Patriots’ offense.

Jan 25, 2026; Denver, CO, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) drops back to pass against the Denver Broncos during the first half in the 2026 AFC Championship Game at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

As the team transitions into a new era, Maye has taken on a central role in shaping its identity. His development and command of the offense have made him a key figure in New England’s long-term plans.

The gap between Maye’s value and salary becomes more apparent when compared to veteran quarterbacks earning significantly higher deals. While he has yet to reach elite statistical production, his trajectory suggests he could soon outperform his contract.

NFL Analysis Names Drake Maye as New England Patriots’ Most Underpaid Player

Jan 18, 2026; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) walks up before the start of an AFC Divisional Round game against the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images

Maye was recently labeled as New England’s most underpaid player in the roster. This can be seen in an analysis by Brad Gagnon for Bleacher Report.

“Dude fell a couple votes shy of winning the MVP but will carry just the 26th-highest cap hit ($9.9 million) among quarterbacks in his third season. Since this one’s obvious, we’ll also shout out Pro Bowl cornerback Christian Gonzalez and his $4.8 million cap number for ’26,” Ganon wrote.

There are still areas of improvement in Maye’s game, particularly in decision-making and consistency under pressure. Even so, the flashes he has shown provide optimism that he can evolve into a reliable cornerstone for the franchise.

For the Patriots, having a starting quarterback on a team-friendly deal offers flexibility in building the roster. If Maye continues to progress, his current contract could become one of the most advantageous situations in the league.

This article first appeared on Gridiron Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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