What’s Next for the Patriots QB After Super Bowl LX Loss?
During Super Bowl LX, the Seattle Seahawks dominated the New England Patriots, winning 29-13, showing how strong an all-around team they were throughout the regular season and the playoffs. New England’s spending in free agency last season equipped them with a high-caliber defense that kept the Patriots in the game, shutting down Seattle’s offense at times when New England needed a stop. The Patriots’ offensive line was exposed and could not protect quarterback Drake Maye, which led to either making bad throws or being sacked. Regardless of the Super Bowl loss, fans and other teams across the NFL cannot disregard what Maye and the Patriots have done this season, as they went from back-to-back 4-13 seasons to a 14-3 season that led them to the organization’s first Super Bowl appearance since 2019. Now, a few days after the Super Bowl, the Patriots’ sophomore quarterback must look at what’s next as he heads into his third season.
The first thing Maye should look to address with his franchise is building a stronger offensive line. During the regular season, rookie offensive tackle Will Campbell showed how great he can be in this league. Yet, on the biggest stage, at the biggest game of the season, Campbell did not have the greatest outing. As he looks to grow stronger and become a force in his sophomore season, Maye and the organization need to continue finding the right guys who will protect their quarterback at all costs. Spending a few extra dollars on guys who will be valuable to the offensive line is just what the Patriots need to be successful once again.
Secondly, Maye needs to address the organization to re-sign some of their guys hitting free agency. Tight end Austin Hooper, linebacker K'Lavon Chaisson, and defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga all proved to be key pieces that helped New England be a successful franchise once again. Getting these guys back in New England will be important heading into the 2026 season. Hooper showed he can be a solid tight end in the right system, Chaisson looked like a star within the Patriots defense, and Tonga had one of his best all-around seasons. Re-signing these players could give them and the team the confidence they need to start the 2026 season on a fresh note and go out and try to make another Super Bowl appearance.
Finally, Maye needs to continue his offseason training while looking to grow stronger and get quicker. The Patriots’ sophomore quarterback led the NFL with a 72% completion percentage and should aim to hit around the same numbers or be even more efficient. While Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford was this past season’s MVP, Maye showed he belongs in the conversation. With doubters banking on the Patriots successful season based on an easy schedule, 2026 will be much more difficult as they’ll face eight teams that made the NFL Playoffs this past season, in addition to teams such as the Kansas City Chiefs and Detroit Lions, who will look to bounce back in 2026 after disappointing seasons. With a stronger all-around team and a quarterback who’s grown physically, mentally, and emotionally, the New England Patriots will strive for another Super Bowl appearance and possibly a Super Bowl Championship with their new franchise quarterback.
