Six captains were just named for the New England Patriots’ 2026 season on September 1, and the biggest takeaway has to be quarterback Drake Maye getting the nod for a second straight year. This isn’t just a formality, it screams that the organization is all-in on their young signal-caller leading the charge right from the start.
Maye’s Reign Continues, And He’s Not Alone
Maye, who’s only 24, now officially stands as a back-to-back captain for the Patriots, and honestly, can you blame them? This North Carolina product was taken No. 3 overall in the 2024 NFL draft for a reason. Last regular season, he balled out, completing an NFL-leading 72 percent of his passes for a massive 4,394 yards. Plus, he tossed 31 touchdowns against only eight interceptions! Dude wasn’t just a pocket passer either, adding 450 yards on the ground and four more visits to the end zone as a rusher. To top it all off, he led them to be the eventual AFC champions. Yeah, giving him the captain’s “C” again feels like a no-brainer.
Joining Maye with a fresh captain badge is tight end Hunter Henry. This 30-year-old is a serious veteran presence, getting his fourth captain nod after serving in 2023, 2024, and 2025. He even got a contract extension in training camp, showing the team’s commitment. Henry joined the Patriots as a free agent from the Los Angeles Chargers in 2021. The former No. 35 overall pick and John Mackey Award winner out of Arkansas has appeared in 81 games, with 67 starts for the franchise. His time at tight end includes 259 catches for 2,973 yards and 26 touchdowns. Talk about a reliable target and leader!
Veteran Strength Across the Trenches and Defense
The veteran leadership doesn’t stop there. Offensive tackle Morgan Moses, at 35, is now a team captain. This guy has been in the running since his introductory press conference back in March 2025, and now he’s got it. Moses started all 17 games in his first year with the Patriots, playing 1,033 offensive snaps. Originally drafted by Washington in the third round of the 2024 draft, he’s also had stops with the New York Jets and Baltimore Ravens, racking up 183 career games and 175 starts. That’s serious experience protecting the QB.
On the defensive side, linebacker Robert Spillane, 30, gets his second captain nod in his second season with the Patriots. The 2025 signing made 13 starts at linebacker last campaign, wearing the green dot and totaling 97 tackles, one sack, one forced fumble, and two interceptions. He was also a captain for the Las Vegas Raiders before, and entered the NFL as an undrafted tryout in 2018, now 99 games into his career. Cornerback Marcus Jones, 27, is a two-time Patriots captain, the lone selection left from the team’s 2022 draft class. He’s appeared in 48 games with 22 starts in the secondary, grabbing 167 tackles, two sacks, and six interceptions. And don’t forget his five touchdowns, two on defense, one on offense, and three on punt returns, earning him first-team All-Pro honors. Safety Kevin Byard III rounds out this strong group of leaders.
This group of six captains, blending young superstar talent like Maye with seasoned veterans like Henry, Moses, Spillane, Jones, and Byard III, clearly signals how the Patriots are approaching their 2026 season. It’s a mix of proven playmakers and respected voices in the locker room. With these guys at the helm, it sets the stage for what should be an intense and fascinating season in Foxborough. Can’t wait to see this crew in action!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pats Pulpit.
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