The New England Patriots might call Baker Mayfield once NFL free agency starts, but would the veteran quarterback even pick up the phone?
Multiple recent reports indicate the Patriots are interested in Mayfield, who’s set to be one of the top QBs on the open market. However, a new report suggests the feeling isn’t mutual.
Patriots Aren’t High on Baker Mayfield’s Wish List
New England’s reported interest in Mayfield isn’t surprising. De facto general manager Eliot Wolf was the Browns’ assistant GM when Cleveland drafted Mayfield in 2018, and Patriots offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt was his OC in 2020 and 2021. And, of course, the Patriots need a new franchise QB.
But Mayfield isn’t high on joining New England, according to The Athletic’s Chad Graff.
“Early indications are that Mayfield plans to consider other options — likely the Buccaneers, Vikings, and Falcons — before the Patriots could become serious contenders for his services,” Graff wrote in a story published Tuesday.
“He could command more than $30 million per year, according to a league source. In short, despite the Patriots’ connections to Mayfield, New England is not expected to be at the top of his wish list.”
Mike Evans didn’t want to go to the Patriots. Doesn’t seem like Baker Mayfield does either.
The Patriots’ harsh reality is they may have to overpay to land top free agents next week. Story: https://t.co/NExBeTSC9o https://t.co/NExBeTSC9o
— Chad Graff (@ChadGraff) March 5, 2024
Re-signing with Tampa Bay still feels like the most likely outcome for Mayfield, especially with the Bucs recently retaining receiver Mike Evans.
And the reported connection between Mayfield and Atlanta can’t be ignored.
But Mayfield to the Patriots? Don’t count on it. New England still seems destined to select a quarterback with the third pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Mike Evans Also Wasn’t Interested in the Patriots
New England desperately needs help at receiver, and Evans was arguably the top wideout set to hit free agency next week. But he’s now off the market after re-signing with the Bucs for two years, $52 million.
However, had Evans hit free agency, the Patriots reportedly wouldn’t have interested him, either.
“The Patriots’ priority in free agency is landing a difference-making wide receiver, according to a team source,” Graff wrote. “But that could prove to be difficult. They had planned on making a run at Buccaneers free agent-to-be wide receiver Mike Evans.
“But even before Evans agreed to a two-year contract Monday to stay in Tampa Bay, the receiver had no interest in coming to the Patriots, according to a league source.”
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Graff added New England “probably” now will pivot toward making Calvin Ridley their primary receiver target in free agency.
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