The New England Patriots are encouraged about what they’re seeing from Drake Maye on gameday and behind-the-scenes, and for good reason.

While the sentiments from Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo, offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt and other teammates are proof, NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport offered intel which further supports the narrative.

Rapoport said it’s become “increasingly clear” to the organization that it has found its franchise quarterback.

“It’s been an up-and-down season for the New England Patriots, but one thing has become increasingly clear: They’re confident that Drake Maye is the guy for the future,” Rapoport said on “NFL Gameday.” “They come out of the season knowing that, that is a huge win.”

Rapoport mentioned Maye’s intelligence and understanding as key factors in the franchise’s belief.

“Let me explain why: In games, my understanding after talking to a couple different sources, he has a complete understanding of what’s in front of him,” Rapoport said. “It hasn’t been entirely perfect, but he knows where to go, doesn’t get fooled pre-snap and has shown he’s capable of more. And then in practice, specifically with the scout team, they do not give him the answers. They make him figure it out and more often than not he does exactly that.”

Maye entered New England’s Week 12 game against the Miami Dolphins after playing arguably his best game of the season in a loss to the Los Angeles Rams.