Jerod Mayo, head coach of the New England Patriots, has commented on the trade of Matthew Judon. In addition, quarterback Drake Maye could still have a chance at the starter’s job after all

“I think it’s a win-win situation. We didn’t look at it like this negotiation or this trade has to be a win-lose situation. We get a third-round pick for a veteran pass rusher and he gets a chance to get the contract he wants with the Falcons,” Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo said during an appearance on Boston sports radio station ”98.5 The Sports Hub.”

According to him, talks with the Atlanta Falcons began some time ago.

Incidentally, the 38-year-old does not seem to be sad about the departure of his star pass rusher: “Judon was a first-class rusher. But there were years when we didn’t have that guy and we came up with something and I’m pretty confident we’ll get there.”

Also looking to make it happen is Drake Maye. The third pick in this year’s draft can still have hopes of winning the Patriots’ starting job.

Mayo spoke more about the current quarterback situation in New England after the preseason matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles: “To me, it’s always about competition at all positions. If he s ready, and if he’s better than Jacoby, then he’ll play. Then he’ll start.”

“One of the reasons we drafted Drake was because you could see during the interview process that he’s a level-headed guy,” Mayo continued. This calmness should now also help the 21-year-old in the competition with veteran Jacoby Brissett.

It is also possible that Brissett’s disastrous performance in the preseason game against the Eagles prompted the Patriots coach to make these statements.

Jacoby Brissett started as the playmaker for the Pats, but blew his first three drives. Brissett’s first drive was a turnover on downs, the second ended with an interception by Avonte Maddox. The Pats then kicked again after three failed attempts, and Brissett’s tally was three of seven passes completed for 17 yards.