NFL reporter has unsettling prediction for Drake Maye's immediate Patriots future

As training camp nears and excitement is in the air again regarding the Patriots' outlook for 2024 and beyond, Jerod Mayo will need to make many critical decisions before the regular season begins. The most crucial is which quarterback will be named the starter for Week 1.

It has been a debate since Jacoby Brissett was signed in free agency, presumably as a veteran bridge for the eventual selection of a rookie in the draft, which became an even hotter topic once Drake Maye was the player selected.

Because he was considered one of the top-3 at the position of the 2024 class, many believe he should be the only option at quarterback for the season ahead, while others believe the team is not equipped offensively for Maye to succeed right away, making it a better option to go with Brissett.

The new regime in New England has made it clear thus far that Brissett will be the starter, and that's their intention throughout the summer, as well. It isn't a decision many fans approve of since there is a lot of hype around Maye and his talents, but it might be what's best in the long run for the quarterback and the team, especially in an effort to avoid a Mac Jones situation again.

That looks to be the basis for Pro Football Network's Dakota Randall, who made quite a bold prediction regarding Maye's immediate Patriots future.

Pro Football Network predicts the Patriots to withhold Drake Maye from starting until the 2025 season

Evaluations of Maye leading into the draft were mostly positive but became a bit more inconsistent as the draft neared. It's not uncommon for that to happen; some hope it will deter specific teams from the player they want. But since he was expected to be one of the first players off the board, it didn't impact the Patriots decision whatsoever.

Eliot Wolf spoke about how impressed he was with Maye during their pre-draft meetings and revealed there had been no other quarterback they seriously considered because of it. So, although they seem pleased with where Maye is in his development and potential for the future, some don't feel the same.

In a piece entitled "5 Bold Predictions for 2024 New England Patriots Season," Randall predicts the Patriots will hold off on having the rookie play this season and will actually redshirt him until 2025. It's not the prediction many fans were hoping for, but it might become a reality as the summer progresses.

"He’s not starting in Week 1 and leading the Patriots to nine wins. And he’s not taking over for Brissett after a bad first six weeks and leading New England to a dominant second half.

Maye played well during the spring and he undeniably has franchise QB potential, but he has a long way to go in his development. Despite occasional unrest from fans, the Patriots will redshirt Maye for his rookie season before handing him the keys in 2025."

He's not the first to make this prediction, as some NFL executives came to the same conclusion in the weeks leading to the draft. However, based on how Maye performed this spring at OTAs and mini camp and the countless coaches and players who have spoken highly of him, it would seem that the decision to hold off on starting him would not be due to a lack of talent.

If the decision is made solely on their difficult schedule and the belief that the offense isn't built to benefit a rookie quarterback, it's a move fans can get behind. There's no need to throw Maye to the wolves if they don't need to, which is why Brissett is there in the first place.

What will ultimately come from how each quarterback looks in training camp and preseason will likely be the leading story until Week 1. It's a big decision for Mayo, but he's made it clear they will do what is best for the team. If that means holding off on Maye, so be it.

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