The New England Patriots are entering the 2025 NFL season with renewed optimism, largely centered around their second-year quarterback, Drake Maye. Selected third overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, Maye showed flashes of brilliance during his rookie campaign, earning Pro Bowl honors despite playing behind a struggling offensive line and a lackluster receiving corps. Now, as the Patriots overhaul their roster and coaching staff, one of their newest defenders has made a bold declaration about Maye’s potential that has caught the attention of fans and analysts alike.
Linebacker Jack Gibbens, a recent free-agent acquisition from the Tennessee Titans, didn’t hold back when reflecting on his experience facing Maye during the 2024 season. “I came out of that game with a ton of respect for him, the competitor that he is, and the team as a whole, how they fought,” Gibbens told reporters. “Drake, specifically, his mobility was on full display against us. We couldn’t keep him in the pocket, and he was running all over us. You can see the competitiveness and the creativity that he has with that last touchdown, scrambling around and fought to make it happen.”
Gibbens’ comments stem from a Week 9 matchup in 2024, where the Titans edged out the Patriots in a 20-17 overtime thriller. Despite the loss, Maye’s performance left a lasting impression. In that game, he completed 29 of 41 passes for 206 yards, throwing one touchdown but also two interceptions. However, it was his ground game that stood out, as he rushed eight times for an impressive 95 yards, showcasing his dual-threat capabilities. Gibbens, who recorded a quarterback hit on Maye during that game, noted the difficulty of containing the young signal-caller, particularly his ability to escape pressure and make plays with his legs.
This praise from Gibbens, who now joins a revamped Patriots defense under head coach Mike Vrabel, underscores the growing excitement around Maye as he enters his sophomore season. The Patriots have made significant moves to support their franchise quarterback, addressing critical needs on offense. They signed veteran right tackle Morgan Moses and former All-Pro wide receiver Stefon Diggs in free agency, while drafting LSU offensive tackle Will Campbell with the fourth overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Campbell, who went viral for declaring he would “fight and die to protect” Maye, adds a cornerstone piece to an offensive line tasked with keeping the quarterback upright.
Maye’s rookie season was a mixed bag, as expected for a young quarterback thrust into a challenging situation. He started 12 games, completing 66.6% of his passes for 2,276 yards, 15 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions, while adding 421 rushing yards and two scores. Despite the turnovers, his ability to perform under pressure with limited support earned him accolades, including comparisons to two-time MVP Patrick Mahomes from Patriots Hall of Famer Drew Bledsoe. Bledsoe, like Gibbens, highlighted Maye’s mobility as a game-changing trait, noting its potential to break defenses in critical moments.
However, Maye’s development hasn’t been without hurdles. Early reports from the Patriots’ 2025 Organized Team Activities (OTAs) indicate he struggled in 11-on-11 drills, throwing multiple interceptions as he adjusts to a new offensive scheme under coordinator Josh McDaniels. These growing pains are not unexpected, as Maye is learning a complex system while integrating with new weapons like Diggs, rookie receiver Kyle Williams, and running back TreVeyon Henderson. McDaniels, known for his work with Tom Brady, is expected to tailor the offense to Maye’s strengths, with tight end Austin Hooper hinting at exciting plans for the young quarterback.
Gibbens’ bold statement adds fuel to the narrative that Maye could be on the verge of a breakout year. His firsthand experience trying to defend Maye’s “competitiveness and creativity” highlights why the Patriots are building their future around the 22-year-old. As Gibbens transitions from opponent to teammate, his respect for Maye’s abilities reflects the growing belief within the Patriots’ locker room that their quarterback can elevate the franchise back to contention.
The Patriots’ offseason moves signal a clear commitment to Maye’s success, but questions remain about how quickly he can adapt to the new system and talent around him. With a bolstered defense featuring players like Milton Williams, Harold Landry, and Gibbens himself, New England is poised to be more competitive in 2025. Yet, as CBS Sports’ Cody Benjamin noted, the team’s ceiling may hinge on one critical question: “How far can Drake Maye leap in Year 2?”
For now, Gibbens’ shocking praise serves as a reminder of Maye’s potential to dazzle, both with his arm and his legs. As the Patriots gear up for the 2025 season, all eyes will be on whether Maye can harness his playmaking magic and lead New England back to the playoffs. If Gibbens’ words are any indication, opposing defenses should be on high alert.