AJ Brown Isn’t Happy with Drake Maye’s Activity at Patriots’ Training Camp

AJ Brown wants the Patriots coaches to make Drake Maye throw him the ball more at practice.

AJ Brown Isn’t Happy with Drake Maye’s Activity at Patriots’ Training Camp

Drake Maye and AJ Brown (Image via IMAGO)

AJ Brown left the Philadelphia Eagles because he wasn’t seeing enough of the ball. He is facing the same issue at his new club, the New England Patriots.

The Patriots traded for AJ Brown earlier in the year to give third-year quarterback Drake Maye an elite marksman. Brown missed the early part of the Patriots’ offseason camp, but has been ever-present at the spring camp.

However, it would seem that Brown didn’t get enough targets thrown at him by Maye, and he made sure to let the Patriots coaching staff know about his demands.

They are not really letting throw the ball right now so I don’t like that.

AJ Brown told Zolak and Bertrand on 98.5 The Sports Hub

Brown won his first Super Bowl ring in 2024. But the Eagles team had adopted a run-first approach that year, leaving Saquon Barkley to do the heavy lifting. Brown recorded 1000+ yards, but he wasn’t satisfied. The following year, the Eagles offense struggled. Barkley couldn’t break down the opposition’s defense. Despite that, the Eagles refused to use their two receivers, Brown and DeVonta Smith. The Eagles were knocked out in the wildcard round.

Brown pressured the Eagles to trade him. There was only one club that he wanted to join: the Patriots. He grew up a Tom Brady fan, and the current Patriots head coach, Mike Vrabel, was the one who drafted Brown in Tennessee.

The Eagles waited until the June 1 deadline to finalize a deal with the Patriots. The Patriots parted ways with a 2027 fifth-round pick and a 2028 first-round pick to acquire the All-Pro wideout.

Brown’s not the only receiver the Patriots signed in the offseason. They also acquired former Packer Romeo Doubs. These were necessary signings for last year’s Super Bowl finalists. Stefon Diggs was cut after just one year, and Kayshon Boutte could follow him out the door. The Patriots definitely upgraded their offense.

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AJ Brown gives his honest take on Drake Maye

Drake Maye broke out in 2025. The former third overall pick led the Patriots to a 14-3 finish, winning the AFC East for the first time in the post-Brady era. Maye completed 354 passes for 4394 yards (72%), 31 touchdowns and 8 interceptions. Maye earned his second Pro Bowl and first All-Pro honors. He also finished runner-up in the NFL MVP race.

AJ Brown Isn't Happy With Drake Maye's Activity at Patriots' Training Camp
AJ Brown (Image via IMAGO)

Diggs led the Patriots receivers with 85 catches for 1013 yards and scored 4 touchdowns. But he was released by the Patriots, leaving the door open for a new face.

Although Brown hasn’t had enough time with Maye, he has been impressed by the UNC graduate.

He’s been sharp. He’s been leading this group. I brag to ‘em all the time about how he’s a leader… When he speaks in front of the room, everyone’s eyes are glued. That’s very powerful. Especially at a young age. So, I’m excited.

Brown said

Brown has faced difficulties learning Josh McDaniels’ system

Josh McDaniels played a key role in the Patriots’ six championship wins since the turn of the century. He returned to Foxboro last year as the offensive coordinator and nearly won a seventh ring.

Brown is one of the top receivers in the league, but he has faced difficulties adapting to McDaniels’ system.

I’m a professional, but it is difficult. It was difficult at first, being thrown so much information, and shoot, I just took the time with this break and learned what I needed to learn, and you know I’m ready to go.

Brown revealed (H/T Boston Herald)

There are still two months left for Brown to have a complete understanding of the offense. If he manages to establish a connection with Maye, then the Patriots will be a force to be reckoned with next campaign.

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