Patriots insider predicts when rookie QB Drake Maye will make first start

The Patriots believe they got their quarterback of the future in Drake Maye with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

However, there's reason why New England made it a point to sign veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett in free agency this offseason — so the team didn't need to force the rookie to start before he was ready.

That's exactly why Tom Curran of NBCSportsBoston.com believes the "most likely scenario" for Maye to see the field as a starter won't come until late in the season.

"Maye gets his first start against the Colts in Week 13," Curran writes . "The team's playoff hopes are extinguished so a lot of the season becomes about 2025. But the very end of the season winds up reminiscent of 1993 when the light went on for rookie Drew Bledsoe and the Patriots finished with a flourish."

This doesn't mean Maye won't see the field until Week 13, and fans will want to see him as soon as possible after throwing for 7,929 yards and 62 touchdowns the past two seasons at UNC.

Curran predicts Maye will make a couple of fourth-quarter cameos in blowouts by the San Francisco 49ers and Miami Dolphins, but Brissett is more than capable to run things until then.

The 31-year-old has a ton of starting experience heading into his ninth season in the league and thinks the competition will only bring out the best in everyone.

"I'm excited to have him on the team and the other guys as well that we drafted and picked up," Brissett said , via ESPN's Mike Reiss. "I think it's gonna be good. Competition brings out the best in all of us, so I'm excited about that part."

Of course, strong performances by Maye in training camp and the preseason could entice the Patriots to go with him sooner, but Curran expects him to have some early ups and downs.

"Maye flattens out when the pads come on," Curran writes. "He alternates between brilliant and boneheaded but doesn't flog himself when it's ugly."

Maye has reportedly already improved his footwork, timing and accuracy while working with the Patriots coaching staff. New England is hoping his development continues at a similar rate when the team reports to training camp.