NFL: New England Patriots at Buffalo Bills
Oct 4, 2026; Orchard Park, New York, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) looks on after the game against the Buffalo Bills at New Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Drake Maye has already etched his name into New England Patriots history, despite a difficult beginning to the 2026 NFL season.
🚨Drake Maye has passed Tom Brady to become the fastest Patriots QB in franchise history to throw 50 touchdowns https://t.co/znbxFmaCb9
— Polymarket Sports (@PolymarketSport) October 5, 2026
Maye reached 50 career touchdown passes faster than any quarterback in franchise history, surpassing Tom Brady.
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Maye reaches 50 touchdowns faster than Brady
Sep 27, 2026; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) throws downfield during the fourth quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images
The milestone came during a season in which Maye has faced plenty of adversity. Through the first four games, the third-year quarterback had thrown only four touchdowns while also committing seven interceptions.
However, his career production has remained impressive enough to put him ahead of some of the greatest quarterbacks in Patriots history.
Maye entered the 2026 season coming off a breakout 2025 campaign in which he threw for 4,394 yards and 31 touchdowns while earning Pro Bowl and second-team All-Pro honors. He also finished second in MVP voting behind Matthew Stafford.
Now, Maye has added another significant franchise record to his résumé.
A difficult start hasn’t stopped Maye’s progress
NFL: Pittsburgh Steelers at New England Patriots
Sep 20, 2026; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) looks on prior to the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
The timing of the record is particularly interesting because Maye has struggled at times this season. New England entered Week 4 at 1-2, and Maye had thrown seven interceptions compared with just one touchdown through the first three games.
But against Buffalo, Maye delivered when the Patriots needed him most.
He completed 22 of 37 passes for 269 yards and three touchdowns in New England’s 29-26 comeback victory over the previously unbeaten Bills.
His final touchdown pass, a 23-yard strike to Efton Chism III with 1:50 remaining, put the Patriots ahead before Maye added a successful two-point conversion pass to Rhamondre Stevenson.
The performance was a reminder of why expectations remain so high around Maye. Even when things have not gone smoothly, the young quarterback continues to demonstrate the arm talent, mobility, and playmaking ability that made him the Patriots’ franchise quarterback.
Breaking Brady’s record this early in his career only adds to the excitement surrounding what could become a historic run in New England.