Patriots QB Drake Maye will make his debut in preseason opener vs. Panthers

We will get our first look at the No. 3 overall pick

Aug 03, 2024; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) signs an autograph at training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports / Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

While quarterback Drake Maye is going to be eased onto the field after being selected to be the future face of the franchise for the New England Patriots, we will get our first glimpse of him against the Carolina Panthers on Thursday night.

After originally being unsure if Maye would suit up in the preseason opener, Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo has stated Maye will play. Quarterback Jacoby Brissett will start the game, but there is reason to believe he will only play a series or two, leaving Maye with plenty of an opportunity to leave his stamp on the football field.

Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo says the plan right now is to have Jacoby Brissett start in team’s preseason opener vs. Panthers.

Says No. 3 overall pick Drake Maye “will play” and all four QBs will be out there at some point. pic.twitter.com/TtIuz60vSj

— Shanna (@shanna_mcc) August 6, 2024

Maye has a massive arm and two rookie receivers he has been building a rapport with. It will be an exciting time to see him drop back and look for both Ja'Lynn Polk and Javon Baker on Thursday night. Who knows? If he plays well enough, Maye could even start pushing for the starting job sooner rather than later in New England.

— Enjoy more free NFL Draft coverage with NFL Draft on SI — 

Prominent NFL insider weighs in on Caleb Williams’ progress

Jayden Daniels will play in preseason, but when?

2025 NFL MOCK DRAFT 

One Training camp storyline to follow from all 32 teams