On one hand, the New England Patriots are in a pretty good position. Believe it or not, even after getting thumped in Week 17 by the Los Angeles Chargers, the Patriots have plenty of reasons to be hopeful.
This fan base is accustomed to winning, but it hasn't been happening. However, what the fans can be thankful for as they go into the offseason here soon, is the fact that it appears New England does, indeed, have their franchise quarterback in Drake Maye.
Now, there are plenty of other issues which need to be addressed. But, the hardest position to get right looks as though it is set, and that's a huge positive.
The Patriots' record doesn't indicate much hope, right now, but the fact that they currently hold the no. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft puts them in a position of much power. With some teams being quarterback-hungry and the Patriots having theirs set, the team is in a spot where they can sell the pick to the league's highest bidder, assuming they lose in Week 18 to the Buffalo Bills.
With a franchise quarterback and plenty of draft capital, plus a whole lot of cap space, the Patriots are set up for a monstrous offseason. The only question, now, is whether or not the team will opt to stick with head coach Jerod Mayo.
It's only been one season with Mayo, but after last week's showing and some questioning whether Mayo is really cut out to be an NFL head coach at times, this year, it's worth speculating on.
One NFL insider doesn't seem to think it'd be crazy for the Patriots to fire Jerod Mayo
When discussing Mayo's future on the latest episode of the Scoop City podcast, senior NFL reporter and insider Dianna Russini acknowledged the Patriots' faith in their head coach. But, she also said what all Patriots fans have been thinking after the team's latest drubbing by the Chargers:
"They've told people privately they really want to stick with him. I just think after that last performance it's so hard for me to be OK with it."
While Russini doesn't have a horse in the race, her opinion is certainly valid. We're talking about one of the top reporters in the NFL world and someone who is one of just 50 NFL MVP voters. She doesn't make decisions within the building, but the fact that she's saying what a lot of fans are likely thinking after watching that sad excuse of a performance last week?
That's something.
In all likelihood, it makes sense that Mayo sticks around at least another year. But, if Mayo was fired, then the question becomes, who do you hire instead? Only one name seems to make sense, otherwise keeping Mayo should be the only option.
Giving he and Eliot Wolf an offseason with so much draft capital (potentially) and ample cap space to work with, after nearly a full year of watching Maye develop, should be the way to go.