Drake Maye, the New England Patriots’ 2024 third overall draft pick, has drawn comparisons to a young Tom Brady due to his strong arm, solid decision-making, mobility, and natural leadership. However, not everyone is convinced by the positive image he’s projecting.
During an appearance on WEEI’s “Afternoons” show, commentator Nick “Fitzy” Stevens criticized Maye, especially in light of reports explaining why the Patriots traded fellow quarterback Joe Milton to the Dallas Cowboys. Stevens pointed to Maye’s reaction after the team’s final game of the season against the Buffalo Bills, suggesting that the young quarterback seemed emotionally down and upset over not getting another start. He described Maye as being more sensitive than fans might expect, and accused him of being “butthurt” and “in his feelings,” contrary to the stoic and composed image he tries to portray.
Fitzy on Drake Maye
“I think Drake Maye is way more sensitive than people around town are prepared for”
😳
— Savage (@SavageSports_) April 8, 2025
The Patriots traded Joe Milton to Dallas in exchange for a fifth-round draft pick (171st overall). The move, according to reports, was strategic and not merely about performance. The team reportedly preferred to provide Maye with a veteran mentor instead of having another young quarterback potentially competing for the starting role. This decision aimed to avoid an internal quarterback controversy, which has been a source of tension for many teams in the past, like the historic Joe Montana-Steve Young rivalry.
Milton, a 25-year-old who only broke out during his sixth college season, was viewed as someone with a chip on his shoulder and an ambitious mindset. Maye, at just 22 and a top prospect from the start of his football career, represents a different profile.
According to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, the Patriots had already communicated with veteran Josh Dobbs before signing him, expressing their intention to make him a backup and mentor for Maye rather than a direct competitor. The team made it clear that they intended to trade Milton before the draft, and Dobbs was brought in to support Maye’s development rather than challenge him.
Breer also stated that the team believes Maye doesn’t necessarily need internal competition to perform better. Instead, they think having a seasoned quarterback like Dobbs in the room would be more beneficial for Maye’s growth at this point in his career.
Meanwhile, Joe Milton is now with the Cowboys and is expected to compete with Will Grier for the backup quarterback spot behind starter Dak Prescott.