Patriots QB Drake Mayed cautioned amid expectations and new WR A.J. Brown

Former Patriots quarterback Drew Bledsoe warned fans to "temper your expectations just a little bit" for third‑year starter Drake Maye, noting that expecting MVP‑level success or a Super Bowl win every season is unrealistic. Bledsoe, who faced similar pressure in the mid‑1990s, urged appreciation of Maye’s talent without inflating expectations.

Maye expressed excitement after the Patriots acquired three‑time Pro‑Bowl receiver A.J. Brown from the Philadelphia Eagles. "It's hard not to get excited," he said, praising Brown’s winning experience and leadership. The trade brings Brown to New England in exchange for a 2028 first‑round pick and a 2027 fifth‑round selection, giving Maye a top‑level target for the 2026 season, which begins against the Seattle Seahawks.