The mailbag ends 2024 on a strong note, with plenty of great questions on the trade value chart we referenced last week, draft scenarios, the coaching staff, a passionate defense of Jerod Mayo, and much more. Let’s get to it:

The Patriots are currently sitting with a 3-13 record after dropping an ugly 40-7 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 17. It was the team’s worst loss of the season, and it ended with “fire Mayo” chants breaking out at Gillette Stadium.

If the Patriots retain Mayo, what might their offseason look like? And what staff changes — likely the coordinators — would be needed?

The New England Patriots kicked off the season with quarterback Jacoby Brissett behind center, moved on to Drake Maye in Week 6 and they could have another swap to end the season. There is no question who the quarterback of the future is, but with no postseason to play for, the team could be sitting Maye for Week 18.

‘Fire Mayo’ chants rained down en masse Saturday as the Patriots dropped to 3-13 on the season. But despite the 40-7 blowout and all the peanut gallery had to say about it, New England’s first-year head coach still has his believers in the locker room.

After leaving Drake Maye in the game against the Chargers, maybe Patriots coach Jerod Mayo doesn’t deserve a second year.

Patriots coach Jerod Mayo said Monday that his team is "100 percent focused on beating the Buffalo Bills," and that securing the No. 1 draft pick isn't his priority.