New head coach Jerod Mayo has sent an important message to New England Patriots fans.
Mayo assumed the Patriots hot seat following Bill Belichick's departure at the end of the 2023 season.
The Patriots have endured some challenging seasons in recent years. New England posted consecutive losing seasons in 2022 and 2023. The team last won a playoff game in 2019. For a franchise used to winning, they have hit hard times.
With a new regime, some Patriots fans expected New England to spend money in free agency. However, the Patriots spent modestly, with Antonio Gibson and Jacoby Brissett the headline additions. Some fans were left frustrated with this lack of spending.
Mayo addressed the fans' frustration at the NFL league meetings.
"I understand the frustration. I understand the expectation," Mayo told reporters.
"I understand the expectation that has been built over the last 20 years. At the same time, I hope fans understand we're trying to build this the right way."
Mayo continued, "I don't regret not spending money. I didn't mean 'burn some cash.' We have a lot of cash to utilize, but we will use it correctly. We're going to be very convicted when we spend that cash."
Mayo also confirmed that the Patriots want to extend star defensive tackle Christian Barmore.
Furthermore, the rookie head coach told reporters that owner Robert Kraft is willing to spend, "Look, when there is a guy we want, the Krafts have already told us they will spend the money."
Live on DAZN: Haney vs. Garcia on April 20. Click here.