Three Potential Trade Candidates Stick Out After Jerod Mayo’s ‘Culture’ Quote

The New England Patriots season will be judged on the development of Drake Maye and the culture head coach Jerod Mayo establishes.

Given the importance of the latter, the Patriots might prefer to keep their “culture guys” rather than trade them before Tuesday’s deadline. Regardless of the fact those players could grant the 2-6 Patriots the best returns.

“We’re in the business of bringing in good players, and keeping our good players,” Mayo told reporters at Gillette Stadium on Wednesday, per a team-provided video.

“I think you bring up an interesting point as far as like the ‘culture guys.’ I do think that’s important. I also would say I think it’s important in the coaches as well, to bring in guys who really believe in the culture and where we’re trying to go. So that definitely — we take that into consideration.”

Three potential trade candidates that stick out as “culture guys” for the Patriots: Jonathan Jones, Kendrick Bourne and Davon Godchaux. All three have been included in trade rumors.

Jones is the eldest statesman in the cornerback room and has been elevated into a leader on the defense. With so many injuries on defense (Ja’Whaun Bentley, Christian Barmore, etc.) Jones has stepped in as the vocal leader. He’s clearly respected in the locker room in addition to being one of New England’s most versatile and productive defenders.

Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer on Tuesday said he didn’t think the Patriots wanted to trade Jones in large part because of said leadership.

Bourne plays a similar role. The 29-year-old wideout has proven himself to be the adult in a receiver room that otherwise lacks maturity. While Ja’Lynn Polk and K.J. Osborn ran to social media to express their frustrations, and while Kayshon Boutte threw shade at the offensive play-calling, Bourne encouraged improvement and shoulders responsibility.

NFL Media reported it would take a “large deal” for the Patriots to trade Bourne.

Godchaux consistently has been one of the loudest voices encouraging his teammates. He spoke publicly about teammates playing “selfish” and lacking “pride.” Mayo agreed with both sentiments. The 29-year-old also was one of New England’s most consistent defensive pieces.

The veteran defensive tackle was “shocked” when he was involved in trade rumors.

Mayo said he was not sure how busy the Patriots would be ahead of the deadline. But it seems the first-year head coach would rather keep a few veterans in the building, despite the fact those veterans might fetch the best returns.