New England Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo walked back comments about the team’s aggressive offseason plans.
Shortly after the Patriots hired him last month, Mayo said in a WEEI radio interview that the organization is “ready to burn some cash” in free agency. Per Spotrac, the Patriots are $77.9 million under the estimated $255.4 million salary cap.
However, Mayo tried to temper any expectations set by those remarks.
“I kind of misspoke when I said ‘burn some cash,’ but I was excited when you see those numbers,” Mayo told MassLive’s Karen Guregian. “When you reflect on those numbers … you don’t have to spend all of it in one year.”
The Patriots have plenty of room for improvement following a 4-13 campaign, their worst in 24 seasons under Bill Belichick. They ranked 31st in scoring and 30th in total offense behind mediocre quarterback play from Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe.
New England’s front office could look to deliver Mayo immediate reinforcements through free agency, but the franchise should know that spending sprees don’t always work.
The Patriots ransacked the open market with several signings three years ago. While they landed Pro Bowl linebacker Matthew Judon as part of that offseason haul, they didn’t get a significant return on investment for Nelson Agholor, Hunter Henry, or Jonnu Smith.
New England can once again use offensive playmakers, but quarterback is the most pressing concern. Although Robert Kraft’s team has the funds to pursue a veteran, the organization could chase a more long-term solution with the No. 3 pick.