5 Patriots on the Hot Seat Entering Second Half of Season

These five New England Patriots are facing increased pressure as their seats heat up during the 2024 NFL season's second half.

New England Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo calls a play against the New York Jets during the second half at Gillette Stadium. / Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images

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3. Tyquan Thornton, WR

Tyquan Thornton is largely regarded as one of the Patriots' biggest draft busts in recent years and his 2024 performance certainly supports that fact.

If you haven't noticed much from the oft-injured wideout, chances are you aren't the only one. Thornton has only suited up for six games as he's been a frequent resident of Mayo's dog house, having already been a healthy scratch four times to date.

Mayo's frequent absences stem from his ability to capitalize on his limited chances. The ex-Baylor product has only been targeted eight times (1.3 per game) while catching four passes for 47 receiving yards without a touchdown. He's been unable to build on those numbers in nearly a month because he was scratched in each of the Patriots' last two games.

At this rate, all signs point to a divorce between the franchise and the player. The Patriots can save $1.3 million, according to Spotrac, if they waive or trade Thornton after June 1, 2025, and they might be tempted by either of those options given his inability to live up to the hype that comes with being a Day 2 pick.

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