The New England Patriots quarterback doesn’t want to abandon passing plays to run as often this season, per ESPN’s Mike Reiss.
“Remaining a passer longer when I scramble, I think that’s big,” Maye said. “I feel like I had times last year where I had some guys deep that I may have missed them or took off running instead.”
Reiss cited a training-camp play where Maye accomplished that goal. During Saturday’s practice, he scrambled to his right but kept looking downfield to throw a 60-yard touchdown to wide receiver DeMario Douglas.
Maye tallied 421 rushing yards last season, the ninth-most among quarterbacks. He ran for a season-high 95 yards during a Week 9 overtime loss to the Tennessee Titans and scored two touchdowns on the ground.
Fantasy football investors may not like Maye’s 2025 plan, but Patriots supporters shouldn’t mind if the 22-year-old progresses in the pocket.
Maye completed 66.6 percent of his passes during his rookie campaign. The No. 3 overall pick didn’t produce many explosive plays, averaging a tame 6.7 yards per pass attempt while never reaching 300 passing yards in a game.
New England ascertained some receiving help for Maye by signing Stefon Diggs and drafting Kyle Williams in the third round. Rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson could also become a valuable safety valve to target on extended plays, and first-round offensive tackle Will Campbell will hopefully give Maye more time to search for an open man.
Maye’s mobility isn’t a skill the Patriots should entirely waste. While Maye would rather keep plays alive to pass, Josh McDaniels could dial up some designed runs for his young quarterback.
