One high-profile Patriots exit is still very much top of mind, even as the dust from this week’s Matthew Judon trade has not yet settled.
During an in-game preseason interview Thursday as New England battled Philadelphia, reporter Steven Burton pressed Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson about “the guy who just left,” and “who’s gonna step up in his place,” referring to Judon, who landed with the Falcons on Wednesday following an offseason filled with contract drama.
Stevenson, however, seemed to believe Burton was referencing another recently departed Patriot: former head coach Bill Belichick, who left the organization after the 2023 season.
“I miss Bill,” Stevenson said, as captured by Awful Announcing. “That was one of my favorite coaches. But, you know, [rookie head coach Jerod] Mayo, he’s a great leader. He knows what he’s doing with us. I’m excited for Mayo and I think we can get it done with him.”
Burton then stated he “wasn’t talking about Mayo,” a former Patriots linebacker and Belichick’s successor.
When Stevenson replied, “Oh, Judon,” Burton said, “He’s moving on to better places,” before quickly following up, “At least a different place.”
“A different place, excited for him, I still know he has a couple more years in him, so I’m excited for him,” Stevenson said.
Judon had been seeking a new deal with the Patriots and now, the Falcons — who sent a 2025 third-rounder to New England for the star pass rusher’s services — “plan to work toward” a contract before the season kicks off next month, according to ESPN.
The Patriots are in their first year of the Mayo era following Belichick’s exit in January after 24 seasons and six Super Bowl wins.
Much like New England, Atlanta is also entering the 2024 season with a new head coach at the helm, Raheem Morris, who beat out Belichick for the job.
Belichick, who has been enjoying the offseason in Nantucket with 23-year-old girlfriend Jordon Hudson, is focusing on media opportunities this year.