New England Patriots reportedly begin search for de facto general manager

With the 2024 NFL Draft now in the rearview mirror, the New England Patriots have begun their search for what is expected to be the next general manager. 

"The Patriots are moving forward with a search for their next top football executive, a role that would amount to what's typically known in the NFL as a general manager. It's unclear what the title would be, but sources believe the position would outrank all other football positions in the building," CBS Sports' Jonathan Jones reports. 

Eliot Wolf has been that person for the Patriots after Bill Belichick departed following the 2023 season. He was the man to make the official decisions during the draft, but as he and head coach Jerod Mayo said, they were always on the same page. 

While they won't known until the players officially get on the field, it seemed to be a fairly successful draft, fixing numerous holes on the offense. And if they are happy with the job Wolf did, why not give him the job. 

MassLive further reports that, "there are people inside Gillette Stadium and those on different NFL teams who expect Wolf will come away with the job, according to multiple sources."

The Patriots have to go through the process due to the Rooney Rule, which means the team must interview at least two external minority candidates in person before making the ultimate decision. 

Along with being head coach, Bill Belichick held the general manager title during his 24 years in New England. But things have and will continue to change during this new era. So this is just the start.