Final Say? Jerod Mayo Provides Clarity Before Patriots Make Roster Cuts

If you had to take a drink every time Eliot Wolf and/or Jerod Mayo used term "collaborate," chances are you would wake up in Week 4. It's been the buzzword since the departure of Bill Belichick.

Mayo dropped it another four times when he met with reporters at Gillette Stadium on Wednesday. But despite doing so, the first-year head coach also offered intel on who will have the final say on roster decisions if needed.

It shouldn't serve as a ground-breaking development given their respective responsibilities, but Wolf will have final say on roster cuts. New England needs to trim its roster to 53 players before Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET.

"For me, Eliot and I are on the same page," Mayo told reporters Wednesday, per a team-provided video. "I hope it's always that way. You've heard the horror stories around the league as far as coach and (general manager) relationships are concerned.

"The final say-so is Eliot. We collaborate on everything. He collaborates on a little bit of scheme things. I collaborate with him as far as evaluation. But I lean on the experts in that world, and Eliot is that guy."

Mayo has final say about the players on the roster. Again, it probably shouldn't come as a huge surprise but it's helpful to have the information.

"The players that go on the field, I would think I will have final say," Mayo said. "Once again -- I know I've used this word a lot -- we will collaborate on that."

One decision Mayo and the staff have to -- wait for it -- collaborate on is the starting quarterback. Mayo said offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt, offensive assistants and Wolf all will help him come to the decision. Mayo believes the group views the competition through the same lens.

"I think so," Mayo said. "I think anyone can see the confidence growing in Drake. Anyone can see Jacoby go out here and, as a total body of work, do a good job. So, we'll see how it goes."

While Mayo labeled Jacoby Brissett as QB1, he believes Drake Maye is 100% ready to lead a huddle. The decision will be made Monday or Tuesday.