While there’s a ton of optimism in the New England Patriots fanbase, there also has to be a healthy dose of skepticism. Four years ago, they faced a similar situation with Mac Jones as their starting quarterback. This time, their signal-caller is Drake Maye.
But New England wants to change the outcome from four years ago. As a result, key moves in free agency and the 2025 NFL Draft have brought in some strong players, none more so than Stefon Diggs. Even with the party video controversy, it appears he’s gelling with his new quarterback just fine.
New England Patriots QB Drake Maye Is Loving His New Co-Star, Stefon Diggs
Mac Jones, fresh off an incredible rookie season where he made the Pro Bowl, seemed like the player to carry New England after Tom Brady. Unfortunately, his tenure with the team didn’t end well, with diminishing returns eventually causing the Patriots to move on from him.
This time, the Patriots are leaving no stone unturned. Perhaps the biggest change, presumably for the better, was the addition of Mike Vrabel and Josh McDaniels as head coach and offensive coordinator, respectively.
Two veterans of the league, they have a long history of delivering at the highest level, serving as ideal mentors to guide Maye early in his career. But help for their potential franchise quarterback also extended to the locker room.
While shoring up the defense, they also added rookie wide receiver Kyle Williams, alongside veterans Mack Hollins and Stefon Diggs, to help Maye’s passing game. Among the three, though, Diggs was the biggest gamble.
While offering incredible upside as a receiver with six consecutive 1,000-yard seasons under his belt, his personality hadn’t worked perfectly with the Buffalo Bills, eventually causing the two sides to go their separate ways.
For a youngster like Maye, the right leadership is a necessity, and Diggs’ antics during organized team activities (OTAs) didn’t help matters. Appearing sporadically, while videos of him partying on a yacht went viral, it raised questions about his involvement and commitment to the team.
But now that he’s back in the swing of things and McDaniels himself has expressed no concerns about the situation, it was his quarterback who also stepped forward to defend the 31-year-old.
Speaking to the media, Maye talked about the relationship he’s already cultivated with the former Houston Texan, as 98.5 The Sports Hub caught the entire exchange. “He seems like an awesome teammate,” last year’s Pro Bowl selection said.
“He’s next door to my locker, my new locker mate, so he’s one down from beside me,” Maye revealed. “We talk all the time, he’s a veteran in this league. He’s made a lot of plays, played in a lot of big-time games. So just an awesome voice for the receiver room, for this offense.”
Patriots QB Drake Maye said Stefon Diggs is an “awesome teammate,” adding their lockers are close to one another.
🎥 @Pats_Radio pic.twitter.com/H0Rra7FHSx
— 98.5 The Sports Hub (@985TheSportsHub) June 9, 2025
For Maye, the biggest advantage of adding Diggs is his experience. “He’s played some playoff games, he’s had some big games.” However, he still expects the veteran to take some time to get back into fifth gear after his 2024 season was cut short by a torn ACL.
“I think once he kinda recovers and he’s out there, I’m looking forward to being able to throw him some footballs.” It seems clear that the camaraderie is starting to develop in the New England locker room.
Last year, they won just four games. But with a much improved roster, a new coaching staff, and Maye potentially taking a sophomore leap, the future could be very exciting very quickly for the Patriots.