Gruden Stuns NFL World: Patriots’ Drake Maye Ranked Higher Than Bills Star Josh Allen

Former NFL head coach Jon Gruden has made a shocking quarterback comparison. He stated he would take New England Patriots rookie Drake Maye over Buffalo Bills superstar Josh Allen. Gruden made the comments this week on The Ryen Russillo podcast. The bold claim has sparked debate across the league.

Gruden, now an analyst for Barstool Sports, is known for strong opinions. His praise for Maye follows the rookie’s impressive performance against the Baltimore Ravens. The comments directly challenge the established hierarchy of NFL quarterbacks.

Controversial Take Puts Rookie Above MVP Candidate

Gruden was unequivocal in his assessment. “I wouldn’t want anybody over Drake Maye,” he stated. When pressed by host Ryen Russillo about Josh Allen specifically, Gruden doubled down. He acknowledged Allen is a “freak of nature.”

Yet, Gruden insisted he would be “hard-pressed” to trade Maye for anyone. He even made a lofty prediction about the Patriots’ rookie. Gruden said Maye could break records that Tom Brady never attained. This places immense expectations on the young quarterback’s shoulders.

The comparison is striking given the players’ current standings. Josh Allen was just named to the Pro Bowl again as an MVP candidate. Drake Maye is finishing his promising but uneven first season. According to Barstool Sports, Gruden seems focused purely on long-term potential.

Analysis: Why This Comparison Resonates and Divides

The statement works on several levels. It highlights Drake Maye’s tantalizing physical tools and late-season surge. It also subtly critiques Josh Allen’s occasionally volatile play. For Bills fans, the take likely feels like deliberate provocation.

From a team-building perspective, age is a factor. Maye is 23, offering a franchise over a decade of potential control. Allen is 29, squarely in his prime winning window. Gruden’s view might reflect a “start a franchise” mindset rather than a “win now” mandate.

The immediate reaction online has been fierce. Most analysts and fans still heavily favor the proven All-Pro in Buffalo. Gruden’s history, including his Super Bowl win with Brad Johnson, adds a layer of credibility for some. For others, it’s simply a hot take designed for clicks.

This bold proclamation by Jon Gruden has successfully ignited the NFL conversation. While Josh Allen remains the proven commodity for the Buffalo Bills, the hype around Drake Maye’s future is undeniably growing. The debate between established elite talent and supreme rookie potential will rage until these quarterbacks meet on the field.

Thought you’d like to know

Who is Jon Gruden and why does his opinion matter?

Jon Gruden is a former Super Bowl-winning head coach. He now works as a football analyst. His experience gives his evaluations weight, though his statements are often bold.

What did Drake Maye do to prompt this praise?

Maye led a comeback win against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 16. He made several elite throws under pressure. His late-season performance has shown significant growth.

How does Josh Allen’s career compare to Maye’s right now?

Josh Allen is a multi-time Pro Bowl selection and MVP candidate. Drake Maye is a rookie with 10 career starts. Allen’s body of work is vastly more accomplished at this stage.

Is Gruden’s claim taken seriously by NFL analysts?

Most analysts view it as hyperbole or a long-term projection. Few would currently trade Josh Allen for Drake Maye for the 2025 season. The consensus still heavily favors Allen’s proven track record.

Could this create a rivalry between Maye and Allen?

It certainly adds narrative fuel for future Patriots-Bills matchups. Both play in the AFC East, guaranteeing two meetings per season. This comment will be recalled every time they face each other.