Jerod Mayo responds to reports of Patriots’ alleged outside help on Drake Maye's progression

New England Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo has vehemently denied a recent report suggesting that team owners Robert and Jonathan Kraft sought external advice on developing rookie quarterback Drake Maye. The report, published by Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer, claimed the Krafts had reached out to other NFL teams and personnel for insights on handling a young quarterback.

During his recent appearance on The Greg Hill Show on WEEI, Mayo firmly refuted the allegations, emphasizing that no such discussions had taken place.
“All those reports are false. None of those reports are true,” Mayo said, directly addressing Breer’s claims. The report had suggested that the Patriots aimed to avoid repeating mistakes made with former quarterback Mac Jones by seeking external insights into Maye’s progress. However, Mayo was quick to highlight the rookie quarterback’s positive development trajectory.

Mayo didn’t hold back in defending his staff and their efforts in guiding Maye. Interrupting Hill’s question about the report, he pointed to Maye’s notable improvement over his first six career starts. Despite a few rookie errors, Mayo highlighted the significant strides Maye has made since training camp, describing his trajectory as promising.
“You just said it – he’s developing at a good trajectory. Can we all agree on that?” Mayo asked during the discussion. This sentiment was echoed by others on the show, with the head coach stressing the contributions of offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt. “The development you’re seeing on the field is because of Alex Van Pelt. He’s doing an outstanding job,” Mayo added, defending his coaching staff against unwarranted criticism.
Mayo also used the opportunity to address the broader context of quarterback development, stating that consistent improvement requires patience and careful management of expectations. He stressed that while the excitement around Maye’s performances is justified, it’s crucial to remember that he’s still in his rookie year.
Amid the controversy, Maye’s performance continues to attract praise from across the league. Rams head coach Sean McVay recently lauded the rookie, describing him as a "stud" following an impressive showing in the Patriots’ loss to the Rams. Although the team’s record stands at 3-8, Mayo expressed confidence in Maye’s potential, noting that his growth on the field and leadership in the locker room are encouraging signs for the Patriots' future.
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While Mayo remained steadfast in his denial of Breer’s report, he made it clear that his focus is on fostering Maye’s development and supporting his team’s progress. His fiery response underscored his commitment to protecting his coaching staff and players from external distractions while maintaining a clear vision for the Patriots’ growth.