Recently-appointed offensive coordinator for the New England Patriots, Alex Van Pelt, may reunite with Pro Bowl quarterback Baker Mayfield, with whom he previously collaborated during their time with the Cleveland Browns in 2020 and 2021. Mayfield, coming off a successful season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2023, is expected to attract attention in free agency.
While the likelihood of Mayfield staying in Tampa Bay has increased due to the team’s recent hire of offensive coordinator Liam Coen, the Patriots, armed with substantial salary cap space (currently at $67.48 million), could make a competitive offer. Mayfield has emphasized the importance of offensive coordinator continuity in his decision-making process, and the Patriots now have Van Pelt, who has a history of successful collaboration with Mayfield.
Furthermore, the Patriots could enhance their appeal by pursuing Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans in free agency. Mayfield has expressed his desire for Evans to stay in Tampa, but the Patriots have been linked to Evans in previous rumors. The addition of Evans, with his impressive track record of ten consecutive 1,000-yard seasons, would provide the Patriots with an elite receiver, addressing a current gap in their lineup.
In summary, the Patriots, with financial flexibility and potential key signings, may have a chance to lure Mayfield to Foxborough, offering a seasoned playoff starter and a top-tier receiver to bolster their rebuilding efforts under a new regime in 2024.
