NFL Rumors: Baker Mayfield Has 'Supporters' Inside Patriots Ahead of 2024 Free Agency

Some members of the New England Patriots organization are reportedly fans of impending free-agent quarterback Baker Mayfield.

According to Doug Kyed of the Boston Herald, Mayfield has "supporters" within the Patriots organization. Kyed noted that it isn't particularly surprising since director of scouting Eliot Wolf, offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt and quarterbacks coach T.C. McCartney all spent time around Mayfield when they were with the Cleveland Browns.

While Mayfield is seemingly on the Patriots' radar, Kyed expressed his belief that price could potentially be a deterrent since veteran quarterbacks have been landing salaries in the range of $40 million per year.

The 28-year-old Mayfield had a resurgent 2023 campaign with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, completing 64.3 percent of his passes for a career-high 4,044 yards and 28 touchdowns with 10 interceptions.

Mayfield led the Bucs to a 9-8 record and an NFC South title, and they scored an upset win over the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Wild Card Round of the playoffs.

After watching Mayfield reach his first career Pro Bowl and finish third in Comeback Player of the Year voting, the Bucs would conceivably love to have him back in the fold next season.

General manager Jason Licht said as much this week, per Brianna Dix of the Buccaneers' official website, noting that re-signing Mayfield is a priority.

According to Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports, league sources have said that a contract slightly higher than the three-year, $75 million deal Geno Smith signed with the Seattle Seahawks is a "reasonable starting point" for Mayfield.

Given that the Pats have the most salary cap room in the NFL at just over $88 million, per OverTheCap.com, that is the type of deal they could afford.

New England is in desperate need of a new starting quarterback after 2021 first-round pick Mac Jones threw 10 touchdowns and 12 interceptions, and went 2-9 as a starter en route to getting benched last season.

Jeff Howe of The Athletic reported this week that there is a "strong sense" the Patriots are "heavily leaning" toward taking a quarterback with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft.

Assuming the Chicago Bears take USC quarterback Caleb Williams first overall and the Washington Commanders go with either LSU's Jayden Daniels or North Carolina's Drake Maye at No. 2, New England would be left with the last of the top three signal-callers.

While it seems likely that the Patriots will address quarterback early in the draft, MassLive.com's Karen Guregian, Mark Daniels and Chris Mason reported that sources have indicated they also plan on signing a veteran quarterback.

The Patriots reportedly don't want to force a rookie into action if he isn't ready, which suggests they could sign someone to serve as a temporary starter.

That may not be a role Mayfield is interested in filling since he had an above-average season in 2023 and has perhaps earned the right to be the unquestioned starter for a team without a highly drafted rookie lurking behind him.

Kyed reported that the Patriots have not yet shown interest in longtime Minnesota Vikings quarterback and impending free agent Kirk Cousins, who is considered the top quarterback available along with Mayfield.

If the Patriots are unwilling or unable to sign either Mayfield or Cousins, some of the other veteran free-agent options include Ryan Tannehill, Jacoby Brissett, Joe Flacco, Tyrod Taylor, Gardner Minshew, Sam Darnold, Drew Lock, Carson Wentz and Mason Rudolph.