Patriots Coach Jerod Mayo Urges ‘Patience’ While Building Roster

Despite a desire to “burn some cash,” the New England Patriots have taken a frugal approach to free agency.

Jan 17, 2024; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo answers questions / Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

The New England Patriots and head coach Jerod Mayo were primed to be big spenders this offseason.

Awash with more than $80 million in available salary cap space, the Pats entered the new NFL year with plenty of problems to solve and a decree from head coach Jerod Mayo to “burn some cash.” 

However, the Patriots' approach to free agency has been best described as “frugal,” though some within the fan base have taken a more derisive tone when evaluating their overall performance to date. With the exception of re-signing starting right tackle (and impending free agent) Mike Onwenu to a three-year, $57 million extension, the deals have largely been devoid of big-money transactions. In fact, New England has committed approximately $41 million in reported value to nine external free agents since the start of the league year on March 13. 

Mayo addressed New England’s free-agent tactics while speaking with reporters on Monday morning from the annual owners meetings in Orlando. As they look to upgrade several key positions on a team that finished the season with a dismal 4-13 record — especially on offense — the Pats rookie head coach explained that they're willing to spend, provided they receive a strong return on investment. 

“Everybody … the media, the fans … wants that big signing, but at the same time as we continue to put this team together, there has to be a process,” Mayo said. “When there is a guy we want to get, the Krafts have already told us they'll spend the money. Offensively, this year, we were very picky. At the same time, that wasn't a very deep offensive free agency class to make that kind of splash."

Still, Mayo’s use of the phrase “burn some cash,” understandably raised the expectations. Feeding into a media-driven narrative that the Pats (under the direction of former coach Bill Belichick) were averse to adding big-name talent on offense, a large section of Patriots Nation was expecting a game-show-style spending spree, with prizes such as receiver Calvin Ridley or offensive tackle Tyron Smith as “showcase centerpieces.”  

Instead, the Pats retained many of their own free agents while adding impact depth pieces from outside the organization. It has led to some speculation that Mayo may have some regret with regard to his choice of words. 

"I don't regret [saying] it,” Mayo clarified. “ I didn't mean 'burn some cash.' I know we have a lot of cash to utilize but we're going to utilize it the right way. We're going to be very convicted when we spend that cash."

The Pats now look toward the NFL Draft. Yet, both Mayo and director of scouting Eliot Wolf will remain diligent in keeping all options open as they continue to build the team they will eventually field this season. At the same time, he cautioned fans to remember that the process must be done for long-term good of the organization, not just temporary gratification. 

“We’re trying to bring in pieces that we think are for the long-term … [balancing that with short-term needs] is always a hard thing to do,” Mayo said. “I understand the frustration [of the fans.] But, I would just ask Patriots fans for patience. Once again, there will be players who hit the wire … there will be guys after the draft. So, just kind of sit back and let us do our jobs moving forward.”