The New England Patriots are considering a major move in the upcoming NFL Draft, as head coach Jerod Mayo expressed openness to trading their third-overall pick. This decision comes in the wake of a challenging 2023 season where the Patriots finished with a 4-13 record, marking their worst performance in the American Football Conference (AFC).
The tumultuous season led to significant changes within the team, including the departure of six-time Super Bowl champion coach Bill Belichick after a remarkable 24-year tenure. Mayo, who served as Belichick's linebackers coach, is now at the forefront of navigating the Patriots through this rebuilding phase.
In a strategic shift, the Patriots traded their starting quarterback, Mac Jones, to the Jacksonville Jaguars in March. In return, they received a sixth-round pick in this year’s draft. To bolster their quarterback options, the team signed veteran Jacoby Brissett on a one-year deal, adding depth alongside 2022 fourth-round selection Bailey Zappe and undrafted Nathan Rourke.
As the NFL Draft approaches on April 25, the Patriots’ willingness to trade a high-value pick indicates a potential pivot towards acquiring veteran talent or addressing other pressing needs on the roster. Fans and analysts alike are watching closely to see how the Patriots will reshape their squad in the hopes of returning to their former glory.
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Patriots head coach says still open to trading No. 3 NFL Draft pick
cgtn.com
