Mack Wilson's free agent decision hinges on standing of popular Patriots coach

Since being traded to the New England Patriots prior to the 2022 season, Mack Wilson has become very close with one member of the coaching staff. 

And that relationship will play a large part in his upcoming decision, as the linebacker is set to become a free agent at the end of the season. 

“Yeah, definitely. I would definitely love to come back,” Wilson exclusively told A to Z Sports, also explained why he felt that way. "My guy Mayo, obviously, and Coach Bill honestly. A great organization… Excited to see how this team bounces back next year.”

While he mentioned Belichick, his connection with linebacker coach Jerod Mayo is the true reason. And Wilson talked about what it's like being coached by him. 

“It’s really, like I say, second to none. I mean obviously you have coaches who coach the game and obviously played the game maybe when he was younger, but having a guy like Mayo, who played the game at a high level," Wilson said. "(He) was drafted first round, was Pro Bowl, high accolades, things like that. Been there. Same organization and same practice fields, same locker room. It just hits different honestly. I’ve just been blessed to be able to be coached by him for two years. Learned a lot from him. And hopefully this is not the last time I’m being coached by him.”

Jerod Mayo's impact on Mack Wilson's future

However, there are some rumors that can't be ignored. And with that, Mayo is right in the center of them all. 

While it might seem crazy to think about, Bill Belichick might not be the coach of the Patriots next season. So if he goes, who would be next in line to take over?

A lot of reporters have speculated that Mayo is one of the names on the top of that list, with the Patriots assistant coach having drawn interest in previous seasons to be a head coach elsewhere. 

Specifically, prior to the start of the 2023 season, Mayo took three coaching interviews, but ultimately turned down the fourth with the Panthers. Instead, he decided to remain with the Patriots after getting a new contract. 

But if Belichick remains in New England for another season, will Mayo explore other options once again? That could definitely be a possibility, and it's one that Wilson is keeping an eye on. 

So when asked if Mayo potentially leaving would play a factor in his ultimate decision, Wilson answered honestly. 

“Yeah, I would say yeah," he said. "Mayo’s my guy.”

But with this upcoming decision, Wilson is not aware of any talks that have begun between his camp and the team. 

“I’m not sure. I’ll follow up with my team after the season and see," he said. "But I would definitely love to come back. Obviously getting more comfortable every day here.”

Now, we just wait and see. 

Making the case for himself to stay

This is Wilson's best season since entering the league and he has shown immense growth.

Knowing that this crucial moment in his career is coming up soon, he spoke about his current mindset.  

“Honestly, me personally, I’m in the right state of mind Obviously focused on trying to go out there and put some more good stuff on tape this last week," Wilson said. "And like I’ve been saying all year, i feel like I’ve been doing a great job of taking advantage of whatever opportunities I get. We’ll see what everything leads to this offseason.”

So far this season, has has 34 tackles, three sacks, two forced fumbles, and three passes defended. Prior to 2023, he had a total of 2.5 sacks and two forced fumbles across four years. So doubling his numbers in those key areas is not a bad addition to his resume. 

“I feel like I show people that I’m versatile. I can rush the passer. I can cover. I can play off the ball. I can play special teams. I can do a lot of different things. And honestly, I’m just happy that I was able to get all that on film this year to show other teams, even to show this organization, what I’m really capable of when I’m put in the right situation.”