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5 Patriots On Thin Ice With Jerod Mayo as Head Coach

As the Mayo era begins in Foxboro, these Patriots are more than likely on their way out with a new regime pending.

By Thomas Erbe

Dec 12, 2022; Glendale, Arizona, USA; New England Patriots linebackers coach Steve Belichick against
Dec 12, 2022; Glendale, Arizona, USA; New England Patriots linebackers coach Steve Belichick against / Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
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5. Someone Else Will Give Zeke a Shot

Ezekiel Elliot signed a one-year "prove it" deal with the Patriots prior to the 2023-24 season. After the Dallas Cowboys moved on from him to get younger in the backfield, he needed to land somewhere to show he still had plenty left in the tank. His workload has certainly decreased from his glory days in Dallas, but he really wasn't as bad as a Patriot as it may seem. He had 5 total touchdowns on an offense that refused to put points on the board.

Now the Patriots may not need to fully reset, but they will be looking to change things. They will look towards the draft to get younger and build that way. Zeke is still under 30 but has been in the league now for 8 years. In this modern NFL, the running back is the most disposable position. There is always one available and you can always get younger.

Zeke returning to Foxboro is extremely doubtful with a new coach looking to softly reset. Look for the Patriots to get younger in the backfield and for Zeke to get another short-term contract to help a veteran-built team make a playoff push - much like we saw this past year with other veteran backs.

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