Forging a connection: Drake Maye and A.J. Brown work to establish chemistry at Patriots minicamp

Sport admin June 12, 2026 0 Comments

Forging a connection: Drake Maye and A.J. Brown work to establish chemistry at Patriots minicamp

FOXBOROUGH — It sure looks as though the chemistry between Patriots quarterback Drake Maye and new wide receiver A.J. Brown is growing.

During the intensely competitive 11-on-11 period of Thursday’s practice, the two connected on an impressive touchdown in the back left corner of the end zone. Maye anticipated that Brown would get open against safety Craig Woodson; he threw a perfectly placed ball that Brown was able to track, turn his body in position away from Woodson, and haul in.

The score was the play of the day and, despite its high degree of difficulty, looked effortless.

“It’s not easy, but it’s something you try to drill,” Brown said after practice. “At least I try to drill as much as I can. I’m just glad I got my feet down.”

Brown attributed his tracking skills to his baseball background. He played outfield throughout high school and initially committed to play both baseball and football at Ole Miss. The Padres drafted Brown in the 19th round of the 2016 MLB Draft.

Get Starting Point

A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday.

Enter Email

Since the Patriots acquired him in a June 1 trade with the Eagles, Brown has worked on his connection with Maye — particularly on high-pointing those back-shoulder passes. Brown spoke about the value of those reps, stressing the value of learning each other’s preferences and tendencies.

The two plan to get together this summer, before the start of training camp, to practice more.

“He’s been a guy that you see on SportsCenter the next day, making plays and scoring,” Maye said. “It’s hard not to get excited. What a player he is, and, just right off the bat, what a great teammate so far. He’s eager to learn. He’s great with the guys in the locker room. We just look forward to playing with a guy of that caliber. I know he’s been a great player in this league.”

Coach Mike Vrabel emphasized the importance of that budding relationship, which is still a work in progress. The hope is that Brown, given his experience both in the league and with the coaching staff, can acclimate quickly.

“I think that connection is critical to rely on,” Vrabel said. “A quarterback and receiver have to be on the same page. Practice is critical; the reps are critical. Sometimes when you get players that have had success in this league and they come onto your team, you get an opportunity to learn what’s worked for them and what they have been able to pick up over the years of doing it.”

Brown led practice with two touchdowns, including one on what ended up being the last play of the day. He potentially could have caught another, but the session abruptly ended because edge rusher Bradyn Swinson knocked down Maye after the touchdown pass.

Maye, who was sporting his usual red non-contact jersey, appeared shaken up on the ground for a moment, but was able to get up and did not receive immediate medical attention.

“That’s not OK,” Brown said. “Nobody should be on the ground.”

The unceremonious finish to practice, and minicamp, slightly overshadowed what otherwise was a promising day for Maye and Brown.

The two sound equally enthusiastic about the prospect of working with one another.

“I was just bragging on him, talking him up,” Brown said. “I said, ‘Hey, man, you like that.’ He can make any throw. I just want him to be confident.”