Though Josh Allen has shared the field just twice with Drake Maye, he's quickly become a fan.
The Buffalo Bills' franchise quarterback and reigning AP NFL Most Valuable Player has developed the highest of admiration for the 2024 New England Patriots first-round pick and also believes one of his former teammates could be a guiding light for Maye.
"I think Drake is super talented, he's one of my favorite young quarterbacks in the league," Allen recently told Sports Illustrated’s Liam McKeone. "I've spent some time around him and he's got his head on his shoulders the right way. He just does things the right way. I think that he exemplifies football."
Not just one of the NFL's best players -- as exemplified by his MVP hardware -- Allen is likewise among the league's most exciting. Whether he's flexing the might of his strong right arm in the passing game or rumbling through would-be tacklers on the ground, Allen has been excitement personified throughout his seven seasons. So, the Bills dynamo shouting out that Maye personifies the game is quite the compliment.
Allen believes wide receiver Stefon Diggs, his teammate from 2020 through 2023, should also complement Maye in the Pats signal-caller's second season.
"I think he brings a lot of security for Drake," Allen said of Diggs, who went to all four of his career Pro Bowls while playing with Allen. "Obviously, having the knowledge of playing in the league for so long, he has that veteran mentorship that he can give to Drake."
Sputtering through a 4-13 season in 2024, the Patriots thrust Maye, taken No. 2 overall in that year's draft, into the starting lineup.
There was some concern about Maye finding his footing behind a leaky New England offensive line, but the North Carolina product impressed with his arm and legs, surviving his rookie campaign and emerging as the highlight in a trying season. Maye's first pro year saw him throw for 2,276 yards and 15 touchdowns in 12 starts with two more scores and 421 yards rushing. He earned a Pro Bowl replacement spot and plenty of goodwill for the Boston autumns to come.
He's also obviously earned the respect of an AFC East rival.
Maye and the Pats finished last in the division -- including a pair of losses to Buffalo -- while Allen and Co. won their fifth consecutive AFC East crown.
The two are set to match up twice a season for years to come with Allen, 29, no doubt happy to appreciate the younger gun, while looking to maintain division dominance.
Regardless of how it all plays out, Allen sees bright days ahead for the 22-year-old Maye.
"He'll take it and run, he'll throw it and to have someone like Stefon is going to help him out a lot," Allen said.
