Patriots Jerod Mayo Blames Lack of Splash Signings on 'Scary' 4-13 Season

Despite having the second-most cap space entering free agency, the New England Patriots didn't exactly "burn some cash."

Jan 17, 2024; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo (L) and owner Robert / Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

Free agency has seemingly come and gone for the New England Patriots, who have turned their attention toward the NFL Draft without making any of the splash signings that many expected. 

Despite the change in power with Director of Scouting Eliot Wolf being made the new de facto general manager and Jerod Mayo replacing Bill Belichick as coach, a lot has stayed the same regarding free agent spending in New England this offseason. This has prompted questions about whether this is just business as usual going forward in Foxboro. 

However, in a recent interview at Monday's annual NFL League Meeting, Mayo responded to those questioning the Patriots’ shortcomings in free agency.

"When there is a guy that we want to get, the Krafts have already told us they'll spend the money," Mayo said. "Offensively this year, we were very picky as far as the players we were getting, and at the same time, that wasn't really a deep offensive free agent class."

Jan 17, 2024; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo (L) and owner Robert / Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

Despite the offensive free agent class lacking depth, in Mayo’s opinion, the Patriots’ absence of a blockbuster signing wasn’t because of a lack of trying. The Patriots were in hot pursuit of now Tennessee Titans receiver Calvin Ridley and were at one point considered one of the frontrunners for his signature.

But as those pursuits of the splash signing have worked out in previous years, the Patriots lost out. Ridley signed a four-year $92 million deal with the Titans, while the Patriots pivoted to signing former Minnesota Vikings receiver K.J. Osborn. 

So, if money isn’t the problem in Foxboro, as evidenced by the fact they entered free agency with over $80 million in cap space, then what is? 

Mayo also answered that question, seemingly pointing out that the Patriots, being fresh off a 4-13 season, may have scared off the top free agents. 

"The unknown is scary for a lot of people," Mayo said. "I would say even in our building right now, it's still unknown. Will I be a good head coach? I don't know, hopefully I can be. ... It's gonna be a process."

There are many unknowns, indeed, even at quarterback, where the Patriots are likely gearing up to take their next franchise signal-caller with the No. 3 overall pick. However, even if the Patriots have all of their proverbial ducks in a row regarding their plan to get back into contention, it wasn’t enough to land them a splash free-agent signing.