INDIANAPOLIS — There’s a idea in NFL circles that groups should maximize their spending after they have a quarterback on a rookie contract.
It is smart as a result of that quarterback — Drake Maye on this case — will ultimately eat up a strong portion of the wage cap when he does signal an inevitable contract extension.
The Patriots spent closely final offseason when Maye was on a rookie deal, however in addition they had mounds of wage cap house. They won’t take the identical strategy this March, nonetheless, even though Maye is eligible to signal an extension subsequent offseason.
“I feel there’s all the time time to be aggressive, however not reckless,” head coach Mike Vrabel stated Wednesday on the NFL Scouting Mix. “We actually perceive what premium quarterbacks price on this league, the place they get to and what they need to be compensated. So, we’ll do our greatest to construct and proceed to construct a roster worthy of competing for a championship.”
Maye has a cap hit slightly below $10 million in 2026. His cap hit is presently set to be $11.7 million in 2027, however that may rise if the crew indicators him to a contract extension subsequent offseason because of a prorated signing bonus.
“I feel we’re going to attempt to do what’s greatest,” government vp of participant personnel Eliot Wolf stated Tuesday. “It doesn’t essentially imply that we have now to spend as a result of Drake’s on a rookie contract. However we’re going to, once more, make selections each for the quick and long run that we see as greatest transferring ahead.”
The Patriots can extend cornerback Christian Gonzalez this offseason. Large receivers Kayshon Boutte and DeMario Douglas are additionally eligible for brand spanking new offers.
At this level, Maye is the one participant from the Patriots’ 2024 draft class who will likely be deserving of a second contract.
The Patriots made Tremendous Bowl LX in Maye’s second season. It will likely be simpler to construct round him this offseason earlier than he agrees to a mega extension. From the sounds of issues, nonetheless, the Patriots is not going to drive it.
