Jerod Mayo is not even a week into his new role as head coach of the New England Patriots. But already, he’s fired off the type of message that has resonated with Patriots fans.
That message he sent? There’s going to be money to burn — in a good and impactful way.
Jerod Mayo Not Shy About Being Aggressive in Free Agent Market
Mayo has let it be known he won’t be afraid to open up the team’s wallet and siphon available NFL talent approximately two months from now.
“We’re bringing in talent, 1,000 percent,” Mayo said Monday to WEEI radio. “We have a lot of cap space and cash. We’re ready to burn some cash!”
Mayo used a humorous tone in making that statement. However, fans should take Mayo’s words with a certain degree of seriousness.
The 37-year-old clearly means business in trying to lure back the famed “Patriot Way” that he was a part of as a past player and rising assistant.
But this time, he’s made the first statement of his remodel plan for this upcoming new era of Patriots football.
After primarily relying on the draft for talent acquisition under the Bill Belichick model while making the occasional trade for a key veteran such as Corey Dillon and Randy Moss, the Patriots now have the sound of a team that will have a more aggressive free agent plan under the new head coach.
Who Should the Patriots Target? Mike Evans, Kirk Cousins Among Names To Watch
Mayo has the sound of a coach who wants the Boston region to become a prime destination for the upcoming 2024 free agency class. This class features plenty of names who can reignite a fanbase itching to see their team return to Super Bowl contention.
MORE: NFL Playoff Bracket
Here’s where Mayo and the Pats have even more leverage — current cap space. New England has $66,102,006 of salary cap flexibility to work with, according to Over the Cap.
Who are the notable names the Pats should consider targeting under Mayo’s potential plan? Here are some high-profile names worth monitoring.
Kirk Cousins or Baker Mayfield, Quarterback
They’re PFN’s No. 1 and No. 2 best free agent passers, respectively.
The Mac Jones experiment is likely heading toward its end. Say Mayo and the Pats want a decorated veteran and multi-time Pro Bowler. Cousins becomes the guy. However, Cousins has expressed being open to play for former Pats head coach Belichick depending upon where he lands.
As for Mayfield, he officially revitalized his career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a season that just ended in the Divisional Round. The Bucs now face the dilemma of whether to re-sign him to a multi-year deal after inking him to only a one-year “prove it” contract before the 2023 season.
Both signal-callers play a fiery style and know how to galvanize the guys around them. Mayo could still opt for a quarterback at No. 3 in the draft, with Drake Maye or Caleb Williams perhaps being available.
But here’s another scenario worth monitoring: New England signs either Cousins or Mayfield, then swoops up wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. with the third overall pick one month later. Such a strategy could certainly spark plenty of intrigue for a dynamic QB/WR pairing in Foxborough.
Tyron Smith, Left Tackle
Mayo could also use pick No. 3 on a tackle option to shore up a struggling offensive line.
But when an eight-time Pro Bowler is an unrestricted free agent, best believe he’ll get pursued. It won’t be a surprise if Mayo makes a beeline for the decorated Dallas Cowboys blindside protector.
At 33, Smith can also feel more relatable to his head coach while bringing a needed veteran presence to the trenches. Signs point to Smith and Dallas severing ties, with a franchise tag unlikely. If that’s the case, he’s a perfect candidate for Mayo’s quest to bring back a nastiness to the line.
Kevin Dotson, Right Guard
Dotson turned out to be an underrated free agent pickup for a team known for making noise outside of draft picks: the Los Angeles Rams.
The former Pittsburgh Steelers interior lineman was a training camp addition to the Rams via trade. He worked his way to starter and held on to his first-unit role. In the process, running back Kyren Williams emerged as a Pro Bowler while Matthew Stafford threw for 3,965 yards and took fewer sacks.
The Rams, though, face the dilemma of trying to extend Dotson. He’s already looking like the top IOL in free agency — and worth pursuing on Mayo’s end.
Mike Evans or Tee Higgins, Wide Receiver
Mayo would hit the lottery if he and the Pats manage to lure in both receivers. But getting just one would still bring smiles and some season ticket purchases.
Evans overcame a rough start on Sunday to still deliver eight catches for 147 yards and a touchdown in the loss to the Detroit Lions — proving he’s still got it in his 30s.
Higgins, though, has a chance to finally become a WR1, and Foxborough could be that place for the multiple 1,000-yard wideout. Still, the thought of these two together has to be nightmarish for defenses and dreamy for Mayo and the Pats.
Patrick Queen, Linebacker
Now we head to Mayo’s area of expertise…and the most intriguing inside ‘backer for the free agent class.
Queen is already going to be a coveted commodity on the open market following his first Pro Bowl nod. Now, he’s one win away from the Super Bowl with the Baltimore Ravens.
Queen, though, could find some appeal in the idea of playing for a head coach who once thrived at his position.
Jaylon Johnson, Cornerback
Under Belichick, New England became a cornerback haven. Ty Law became a Pro Bowler. Stephon Gilmore won Defensive Player of the Year as a CB. Even J.C. Jackson produced a Pro Bowl nod in 2021 before signing with the Los Angeles Chargers.
This could sway Johnson. Especially with the Pats’ history of allowing their corners to play press man — Johnson’s strength.
KEEP READING: 2024 NFL Free Agents by Position
A new lockdown CB is needed. Johnson is one of the top names for NE.
Want to predict the results of the 2023 NFL postseason with our FREE NFL Playoff Predictor? How about looking into in-depth breakdowns of team depth charts or the NFL playoff schedule? Pro Football Network has you covered with all that and more!