Just before 7 p.m. on Thursday night, the Patriots dropped an abnormally transparent statement.
Though only two sentences, it was telling:
“The New England Patriots and Head Coach Bill Belichick have begun contract extension discussions with Jerod Mayo that would keep him with the team long-term. In addition, the team will begin interviewing for offensive coordinator candidates beginning next week.”
Notoriously clandestine, the Patriots clearly want their intentions known right now.
After regressing in every meaningful offensive category in 2022, the fanbase now knows that unit won’t be spearheaded by Matt Patricia and Joe Judge again next season.