Player's release proves Patriots taking no-nonsense approach with 2024 roster

Because several players had made their preference known about who they would like to see become the next Patriots head coach long before Bill Belichick was announced to be leaving, Jerod Mayo was instantly labeled a "player's coach" and in the eyes of most, has since proven to be just that.

Although he has consistently fought the label due to its general negative connotation, it is apparent that the players are enjoying playing for him, and the atmosphere in Foxboro is much lighter than it has been over the last few years.

That became a talking point after the Patriots win over the Bengals in their season opener, as players appeared excited on the sideline and gave Mayo a Gatorade bath in celebration.

While that is a welcomed change from the reported toxicity in the locker room last year, some of Mayo's actions have proven to be more Belichickian than initially thought.

It was first noticed when rookie wide receiver Javon Baker went on Instagram live when he received a ticket from Boston police. His comments and the fact that he broadcast the incident live on social media were said to have rubbed the coaching staff the wrong way and seemingly got him benched for the Patriots' first game.

Despite his insistence that wasn't the reason for Baker being a healthy scratch, it doesn't seem like a coincidence given the timing. And now the latest move the Patriots have made seems to prove that Mayo might be a player's coach, but he's definitely not here for any nonsense.

Jalen Reagor's release seems to prove Jerod Mayo has a low tolerance for nonsense from Patriots players

With Baker's situation in mind, Jalen Reagor's abrupt release from New England's practice squad on Tuesday lined up with another social media incident that is far too convenient to be considered coincidental.

The receiver posted an infamous meme to his Instagram in the morning showing an expensive car outside of a rundown home, seemingly implying that he is like that vehicle and he's stuck in an unfavorable situation.

Whether he meant being on the Patriots practice squad since he initially made the 53-man roster during roster cuts or he just felt that way as a part of the team is unclear. But it was only a few hours later that he was released.

Perhaps one had nothing to do with the other, but given the timing of it all, that's hard to believe.

It's possible that Reagor felt it was unlikely he would ever be called up to the game-day roster since they currently have six receivers, and Kendrick Bourne is likely to return in a few weeks after he is removed from injured reserve. That could have led to Reagor wanting out, and the Patriots decided to grant him that wish, or his post caught their attention and brought on his inevitable departure.

Regardless, it's the latest example of the new regime's no-nonsense approach to handling the roster and any unfavorable situation it might be put in.

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