Several Patriots, including Drake Maye and Mike Vrabel, named award finalists

Story by

Story by
Several Patriots, including Drake Maye and Mike Vrabel, named award finalists

Lauren Campbell · MassLive

Thu, Jan 22, 2026 ·

2 min read

About Our Ads

The Patriots had many players and two new coaches who contributed to the success of their 14-3 season and were recognized for it on Thursday.

Quarterback Drake Maye is a finalist for two awards: MVP and AP offensive player of the year.

Maye took a huge leap from Year 1 to Year 2 and put him name in the NFL and Patriots history books throughout the 2025 season. His 4,394 yards were fourth in the league, while the 31 touchdowns ranked third. Maye’s 77.1 QBR was atop the NFL.

Other finalists: Josh Allen, QB, Buffalo Bills, Trevor Lawrence, QB, Jacksonville Jaguars, Christian McCaffrey, RB, San Francisco 49ers, Matthew Stafford, QB, Los Angeles Rams

Stefon Diggs is a finalist for Comeback Player of the Year. The wide receiver tore his ACL in Week 8 of the 2024 season while with the Houston Texans . He signed with the Patriots the following offseason and it was unclear whether he’d be ready for Week 1.

Diggs became an important part to New England ’s offense and built strong chemistry with Maye over the course of the season. He amassed over 1,000 yards for the seventh time in his career and had 85 yards with four touchdowns.

Other finalists: Aidan Hutchinson, DE, Detroit Lions, Trevor Lawrence, QB, Jacksonville Jaguars, Christian McCaffrey, RB, San Francisco 49ers, Dak Prescott, QB, Dallas Cowboys

TreVeyon Henderson was named a finalist as the Offensive Rookie of the Year. The running back was drafted in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft. After a slow start to the season , Henderson found his groove and really carved out a role for himself in Rhamondre Stevenson ’s absence. The 23-year-old finished his rookie year with nine touchdowns and 911 yards.

Other finalists: Jaxson Dart, QB, New York Giants, Emeka Egbuka, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Carolina Panthers, Tyler Shough, QB, New Orleans Saints

In his third stint with the Patriots, Josh McDaniels earned a finalist nod for Assistant Coach of the Year. The offensive coordinator played a pivotal role in getting the offense back on track after consecutive 4-13 campaigns in 2023 and 2024.

Other finalists: Vic Fangio, Philadelphia Eagles, Brian Flores, Minnesota Vikings, Vance Joseph, Denver Broncos , Klint Kubiak, Seattle Seahawks

Rounding out the finalists in Mike Vrabel , who’s up for Coach of the Year. Vrabel was hired weeks after the Patriots fired Jerod Mayo . He immediately changed the culture and the players bought in right away. He’s led New England to two playoff wins and has a chance to go to Super Bowl LX with a win over the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship Game on Sunday.

Other finalists: Liam Coen, Jacksonville Jaguars, Ben Johnson, Chicago Bears, Mike Macdonald, Seattle Seahawks, Kyle Shanahan, San Francisco 49ers

The winners will be announced Feb. 5.

More Patriots Content