The Patriots have inked rookie quarterback Drake Maye to a $36.63million, fully guaranteed rookie deal – including a $23.46million signing bonus.
Maye, the No. 3 overall pick in this year’s NFL Draft, joins the team on a four-year contract with a fifth-year option.
The terms were reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Maye takes the reins in New England three years after the team selected Mac Jones 15th overall, with the former University of Alabama passer regressing after a strong rookie season which saw him make the Pro Bowl and lead the team into the postseason.
Jones was traded to the Jaguars in March.
Drake Maye has reportedly signed a lucrative rookie contract with the New England Patriots
He was seen practicing with his new team last Monday ahead of his rookie season next fall
Maye will hope to get the Patriots back on track after they finished just 4-13 last season.
New England also finished second-to-last in points per game with just 13.9 per contest.
The team parted ways with legendary head coach Bill Belichick after the season, promoting inside linebackers coach Jerod Mayo to the top job.
The Patriots open their season at the Bengals on September 8.