Drake Maye’s 5-game stretch has officially put the NFL on notice

If Drake Maye keeps playing at this level, he's going to be the clear-cut favorite to be named the 2025 NFL Most Valuable Player.

Maye has been on an historic tear to begin his second season in the league. From driving the New England Patriots' offense down the field to stun the Buffalo Bills on prime time a week ago, to already helping the franchise win as many games this season as they did during each of the previous two seasons, Maye has been absolutely dealing, joining some elite quarterback company in the process.

Over the last five games, the former UNC football star has thrown for 200+ yards and has strung together a 100+ passer rating. There's only three quarterbacks in NFL history (age 23 or younger) who have accomplished this feat:

Dan Marino
Patrick Mahomes
Dak Prescott

That's it.

Of course, Marino is a Hall of Famer who is widely regarded as one of (if not the) greatest quarterback that never won a Super Bowl, and as we all know, Mahomes is well on his way to Canton once his playing days are over. Prescott has made quite the name for himself as a mid-round draft pick, earning a significant contract while guiding the offense for the Dallas Cowboys.

Based on what Maye has been doing, it won't be long before he makes himself a lot of money (either through a contract extension or in the rare chance he actually makes it to free agency).

Drake Maye is an absolute star, emerging as one while quarterbacking a team that has desired a franchise guy ever since Tom Brady left town. The early results are indicating that Maye is that guy, as his growth and development as a player and a leader has been tremendously fun to watch.

Tar Heel fans have known for years that Drake Maye is a superstar. It's good to see that the world is finally starting to understand just how elite of a talent (and person) he is.