Vrabel: Maye 'large part of the reason' I wanted Patriots job

Quarterback Drake Maye's sky-high potential played a large role in enticing Mike Vrabel to take the New England Patriots' head coaching job.

"I see a young, athletic, talented, full-of-potential player that (I'm) excited to build this team around and a large part of the reason why I wanted to be here," Vrabel said on the "Don’t @ Me with Dan Dakich" podcast. "That talent level, to be able to build around him and to be able to grow and help him and lead and run an offense and run a football team is something that I’m excited about."

Vrabel, who became the Patriots' head coach earlier this offseason, spoke about how the possibilities are endless with a talent like Maye under center.

"He can throw from in the pocket, he can throw off-platform, he can run, he can scramble,” Vrabel explained. "You can design some things for him. So I think you have pretty much everything in the playbook that you could possibly want available. He's not just a pocket passer, he's not just a guy who's gonna run. There's a lot of different ways that we're hoping that he can be successful."

Maye impressed in his 2024 rookie season, completing 66.6% of his passes for 15 touchdowns to 10 interceptions while being surrounded by a Patriots roster that won only three of his 12 starts.

New England has added to Maye's weapons this offseason, recently signing former Pro Bowl wide receiver Stefon Diggs and wideout Mack Hollins. The franchise also added tackle Morgan Moses to beef up the offensive line.