Drake Maye knows he just has to give A.J. Brown a chance.
It took just three plays for him to do so in Tuesday’s minicamp practice. With his new target lined up to his right, Maye lofted back shoulder fade to Brown in front of the right pylon.
The 6-foot-1, 226-pound Brown went up to haul it in for a touchdown. It was the type of connection the Patriots — and Maye — are excited to see plenty of this season.
“Just on me to give him a chance to touch it,” Maye said. “Because more times than not he’s going
to bring it in. So, that’s exciting.”
After acquiring Brown last week, Maye and his new No. 1 target have had only a handful of practices together to begin building chemistry. Brown’s physicality and ability to play above the rim will help accelerate that process.
“Being able to throw to a guy that has a defender in that close of proximity and have trust that he’s going to come down with it or nobody is, that’s a really valuable thing for a quarterback,” wide receiver coach Todd Downing said. “It gives you a sense of peace to know that there doesn’t have to be extreme separation on a route to be able to get a catch. So, obviously, that’s something that’s a huge, huge positive.”
The connection is set to be the main weapon in the Patriots passing attack in 2026. Brown will play a large part in replacing Stefon Diggs’ production, while also assuming one of the veteran roles in the locker room.
While Brown has not been in Foxboro long, he has already made a strong impression in both aspects.
“What a player he is. You start off the bat, what a great teammate so far,” Maye said. “I mean, he’s eager to learn, he’s great with the guys in the locker room, and you just look forward to playing with a guy of that caliber. I know he’s been a great player in this league. Everywhere he’s gone, he’s been a guy that you see on SportsCenter the next day making plays and scoring.
“And the best thing about him is he’s been a winner. He knows what it’s like to win. And, obviously, adds something to that room that we were kinda looking for. That’s the best thing I think Stef provided for us last year, and [we have] guys that are growing in their roles. But just coming in with that stature, his ability, and his size — just the respect that you walk in there with that kind of Stef had, A.J.’s got it, too.”
