New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye's rookie contract expires after the 2027 season. The going price for an NFL quarterback of his caliber these days is close to $65 million a year.
Patrick Mahomes just restructured his deal, putting pen to paper on an eight-year, half-a-billion-dollar deal with an AAV of more than $63 million. Josh Allen, Trevor Lawrence, Joe Burrow, Jordan Love and Dak Prescott are all playing on deals with AAVs at or above $55 million.
Long story short, Maye's deal is going to shatter the bank.
98.5 The Sports Hub's Michael Felger has a long-standing belief that Patriots owner Robert Kraft is going to do his best to talk the 23-year-old quarterback into signing a contract similar to the hometown discounts that seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady was famous for taking.
"Here's the latest example in the 'Great Drake Maye Contract Guilt Trip,'" Felger said. "'Tom Brady took less, this is what it means to be a champion. Do you want to make the most, or win at the highest level? Because if we pay you the most, we can't support you with a team.' The great Drake Maye contract guilt trip has begun!"
All signs point towards Maye becoming the highest-paid player in the history of the sport when he finally does sign an extension. As is the trend across major sports leagues, the youngest stars are always breaking and setting the market.
Felger's co-host Tony Massarotti says that he hopes Maye does not take the bait.
"This is pathetic," Massarotti said. "I say this half jokingly, but half not: If he takes less, I will lose respect for him."
The Great Drake Maye Contract Guilt Trip has begun... @FelgerAndMazz @TonyMassarotti @bigjimmurray @IAmJamesStewart @MaggioreKevin @ColinKennedy__ @XavierMSports pic.twitter.com/IzjUKcyqvW
— 98.5 The Sports Hub (@985TheSportsHub) June 15, 2026
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