Mayo: Rebuilding Patriots 'ready to burn some cash'

New England Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo is optimistic his team will undergo a successful rebuild during the 2024 offseason.

"We're bringing in talent, 1,000%," Mayo said Monday on "The Greg Hill Show." "We have a lot of cap space and cash. We're ready to burn some cash."

Mayo, a former linebackers coach in New England, was named the team's sideline boss on Jan. 12 to replace Bill Belichick. The Patriots have posted back-to-back losing seasons, including a 4-13 record in 2023 - the franchise's worst campaign since 1992.

The Pats boasted a top-10 defense this season but struggled offensively all year, particularly at quarterback. Mac Jones (11 starts) and Bailey Zappe (six) threw for 16 touchdowns against 21 interceptions combined.

Mayo's outfit heads into the offseason with a projected $70 million in salary cap space - the fourth-most in the NFL, according to Spotrac. New England also owns the No. 3 pick in the 2024 draft. But the Patriots have to address several roster weaknesses and a major question mark at the sport's most important position.

"We're going to take the best available player for the biggest need on the team," the first-year coach said.

"Offensive line, receiver, quarterback, pick your choice," he added.

It'll be hard for the Patriots to become contenders in the AFC East again, as the division features three high-profile starting signal-callers: The New York Jets have four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers, while the Buffalo Bills roster Josh Allen, who this season became the only QB ever to account for 40-plus touchdowns in four straight campaigns. Meanwhile, Tua Tagovailoa is coming off his most productive season with the Miami Dolphins.

"I wouldn't say it worries me," Mayo said when asked about the AFC East's competitiveness. "First and foremost, we're going to put a good defense out there. We're going to play these teams twice a year, whatever it is, but I feel fairly confident that we'll be better next year."