Multiple players on the [New England Patriots](https://nesn.com/new-england-patriots) have to be paid over the next year or so, with the focus currently being on Christian Gonzalez.
However, the Patriots will have a Drake Maye question to answer next offseason, with the expectation around the NFL that the young man out of the University of North Carolina is going to be the highest-paid player in the league at the quarterback position.
Maye has proven to be an elite player from top to bottom, and when speaking to reporters about the situation, he said that he isn't thinking about what Gonzalez is going through, and later added that he doesn't have much to say about his own contract problems that could arise.
“I’m not thinking about that right now,” Maye [answered](https://www.boston.com/sports/new-england-patriots/2026/08/05/new-england-patriots-drake-maye-contract-christian-gonzalez/), per Boston.com. “I’m a big fan of Gonzo and kind of how things are playing out, so I respect him for being out here and competing and wanting to practice. I think that speaks a lot for him wanting to be here.
“I said it before, he’s one of the best corners in the league, so I’m looking forward to playing with him, and I’m glad he’s on our team.”
“I don’t think it’s hard not to think about it,” Maye said, per Boston.com. “I try to be in the present. The present — that’s why they call it a present, man. It’s a gift. So I just try to be here, be where my feet are, and try to get better and better.”
There isn't too much to worry about for Maye, who is coming off a season in which he led the AFC with a 72% completion rate, threw for 4,394 yards and 31 touchdowns, and took his team to the Super Bowl. The 23-year-old understands he's going to get paid, so he just has to wait his turn.
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