There is a lot on the line for the Patriots based on how they fare against the Bills on Sunday, from a draft position perspective and the future of the coaching staff.
They currently hold the first overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, and if they lose to Buffalo, they will remain atop the board. If they win, they are still guaranteed a top-5 pick, but it certainly narrows down their choices and opportunities to trade back.
Adding even more stress to the day is another brutal loss could make Robert Kraft's decision about Jerod Mayo much easier, which the latest reporting suggests might be closer to reality than previously stated. The rookie head coach has had a rough year, but with expectations high for the Patriots to be an improved team this year, another losing record and piling up of embarrassing losses did not help the cause to keep the job for another year.
Several reporters had a lot to say on Saturday, less than 24 hours before the Patriots take the field for the final time for the 2024 season, and it seems fair to assume Mayo and the rest of his coaching staff are coaching for their jobs on Sunday,
Jerod Mayo is believed to be coaching for his job in the Patriots season finale game
The main takeaway from the variety of reports released on Saturday is that the chatter surrounding Mayo's future in New England doesn't imply that his return is set in stone. Despite being hand picked by Robert Kraft to succeed Bil Belichick allegedly five years ago, the belief is that the team owner isn't opposed to moving on from Mayo and admitting he made a mistake.
It becomes especially relevant when looking at the available candidates the Patriots could interview for the role if they choose to move on from Mayo, with the top contenders being Lions' offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and former Titans head coach and ex-Patriots linebacker Mike Vrabel.
If Kraft believes either one are a good fit, it's now or never to hire them.
That could also play a role in Kraft's decision, which is a factor working against Mayo's potential to return. And to make matters worse, within many of the reports from this weekend is that the job is on the radar around the league, with Drake Maye being the leading reason for drawing interest. Add in a top-5 draft pick and the most cap space to spend and it might not be difficult to find Mayo's replacement.
That's the current narrative in NFL circles, according to The Athletic's Diana Russini, who's reported that the Patriots job is sparking interest from many around the league. Knowing that as well, Kraft could soften the blow of moving on from a coach after just one year with replacements already lined up.
UPDATE
Jerod Mayo: Leaning out.
— Brian Hines (@iambrianhines) January 5, 2025
"The Kraft family has wanted to stand by [Mayo] and give him support ... Over the last 30 days, the team has struggled - they've lost at home, fans have been angered, they've been apathetic.
"It feels like within the organization there's been a shift.… https://t.co/j9XAsq6A0E
READ MORE: Adam Schefter drops a bombshell about Jerod Mayo's fate with the Patriots