Patriots Rumors: Matt Patricia’s expanded role should worry fans

Even before a flood of reports emerged hinting at a potential reunion, it always seemed like the New England Patriots were the top destination for Matt Patricia, who was canned in his third season as head coach of the Detroit Lions this past November.

When the Patriots made the inevitable a reality, fans speculated what Patricia’s new role would be.

Not only was it confirmed he wouldn’t be returning to his former defensive coordinator position, but reports indicated he’d take on a “variety of roles.”

As the offseason wore on, however, it was downright shocking to hear that Patricia was “heavily involved” in the pre-draft process despite having zero experience in that field.

Well, flash forward a couple weeks later and more light is being shed on Patricia’s expanded role with the organization.

According to insider Ben Volin of the Boston Globe, the former Lions head coach is the “lead contract negotiator” for New England. Huh?

Patriots fans won’t like hearing about Matt Patricia’s expanded role.

"“It’s not in the sense that Patricia is setting the course in free agency,” said Volin. “Patricia’s not the one saying we gotta get Hunter Henry or Nelson Agholor. He’s doing what (Bill) Belichick tells him to do and Belichick most likely gives him the parameters.”“It’s not a big deal because Patricia is not “quote on quote” the GM. But it is a big deal, because they had to choose one person (for these responsibilities) and they chose him. And it does seem like they’re broadening his skillset. And it makes me wonder if they’re setting him up to be the heir apparent to Belichick.”"

We actually managed to keep our composure until the final few seconds of the clip when Volin speculated about whether the Patriots are currently laying the groundwork for Patricia to become the heir apparent to Belichick. After that, we kind of just blacked out for a few seconds.

In all seriousness, fans would be fully justified questioning why Patricia is being granted promotion after promotion despite just returning to Foxborough this offseason. After all, it’s not like he covered himself in glory during his time with the Lions.

Though he lasted until Week 12 of his third season, Patricia arguably should’ve been fired long before he was handed the pink slip. After all, he compiled a 13-29-1 record during his tenure and the Lions defense, which is his supposed area of expertise, was an absolute laughingstock under his tutelage.

Despite that, however, we would still rather New England re-acclimate him to the defensive side of the ball, where he was so good for six seasons as Belichick’s highest-ranking assistant. Seeing Patricia being given roles with which he has no previous experience is extremely worrisome.

Remember, you can’t lean on “bend, don’t break” as a head coach or GM.

First, the 46-year-old played a big part in the pre-draft process and now he’s apparently the Patriots’ top contract negotiator? No wonder we were left questioning some of the deals they handed out (like Agholor, Kendrick Bourne and Jalen Mills) this offseason.

Somebody make it make sense.

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