Rookie quarterback Drake Maye assisted the Patriots’ front office in his trip down to Orlando last week for the 2025 Pro Bowl Games.
Maye, a Pro Bowl alternate, told Kay Adams on Tuesday that he was pitching the Patriots to his fellow honorees.
“Definitely think a little bit,” Maye said on FanDuelTV’s “Up & Adams” show. “Got to know some of the guys, tell them a little bit about Boston, about Foxboro, about Gillette Stadium, the fanbase. Definitely a time to get to know some guys and let them know that the Pats got some things to make some moves this offseason.”
There weren’t many free agents down in Orlando for the Pro Bowl, but Ravens offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley, Commanders linebacker Bobby Wagner and Vikings cornerback Byron Murphy all are set to hit the open market. The Patriots have needs at all three positions.
There were also some trade candidates in the Pro Bowl, including defensive end Myles Garrett, who requested a trade from the Browns this week. Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons reportedly garnered interest during last year’s trade deadline.
Maye was throwing to wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase, Jerry Jeudy, Nico Collins and Brian Thomas Jr. in the Pro Bowl Games. None of those players will be free agents this offseason, but Chase is set to play on his fifth-year option in 2025 without a contract extension currently in place.
The Patriots QB said Tuesday on NFL Network’s “Good Morning Football” that throwing a touchdown pass to Chase was a highlight of the event.
“That was pretty cool for me to experience that,” Maye said. “One of the best in the NFL.”
Maye was asked by Adams who he’d like to see come to New England.
“Ja’Marr’s obviously a great answer. Another receiver there that I met, Nico Collins was awesome. Justin Jefferson, he’s an easy person to come to Foxboro.”
But he also made sure to note that he likes his current receiving group, as well.
“We got some guys in Foxboro that are doing their thing; so I gotta do a better job getting them the rock,” Maye said.
The Patriots’ current wide receiver corps is made up of Kendrick Bourne, DeMario Douglas, Kayshon Boutte, Ja’Lynn Polk and Javon Baker. Tight ends Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper were among Maye’s favorite targets in 2024. Henry remains under contract, though Hooper is a free agent.
Hooper has experience with Patriots new head coach Mike Vrabel in 2022 with the Titans and returning offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels in 2023 with the Raiders.
The Patriots should be looking to target more receiving help this offseason whether that’s through free agency, traders or in the draft.
Bengals wideout Tee Higgins is the top free-agent receiver. Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp announced Monday that the team is working on trading him this offseason. If the Patriots go after a wide receiver at No. 4 overall, then Colorado’s Travis Hunter and Arizona’s Tet McMillan are the top options.