Jerod Mayo opens up about decision to release veteran defender

Dec 1, 2024; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots linebacker Yannick Ngakoue (55) warms up before a game against the Indianapolis Colts at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn ImagesNew England Patriots coach Jerod Mayo opened up about the decision to release veteran edge rusher Yannick Ngakoue.

Per Mayo, the team's decision to cut Ngakoue before the end of the season was out of respect to give him an opportunity to land with a playoff contender, per ESPN’s Mike Reiss.

Ngakoue was released by the Patriots on Tuesday, less than two months after he signed with the team on November 8. He appeared in six games in total with the team and recorded nine combined…