The Patriots have reportedly begun an official search for a general manager

Patriots

Eliot Wolf, who led New England through the draft process, is clearly considered a favorite for the role.

Although Eliot Wolf appears to be running the show for the Patriots throughout the momentous NFL Draft process, there are seemingly no guarantees that he will be given the full-time role as New England’s top front office executive. .

According to Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports, the Patriots have officially begun the search for a general manager (or general manager type position).

Given that Bill Belichick hasn’t had a traditional title general manager in his 24 seasons (and the Krafts haven’t employed one since owning the team), the actual outcome could be hiring a de facto general manager: a senior executive who has final say on football roster decisions while using a slightly different job title.

Wolf, the Patriots’ director of scouting, offered an answer during the rookie roundup earlier in 2024 that shed some light on his role at this point.

“It’s going to be a collaborative effort: Coach Mayo, myself (director of player personnel) Matt Groh, the entire staff,” Wolf told reporters in February about the team selection process. . “At the end of the day, someone has to make that choice, and it’s going to be me.”

It was Wolf who appeared to be in charge in April’s draft, opting to keep New England’s pick (instead of trading up) and selecting quarterback Drake Maye third overall.

Looking ahead, Wolf is likely the favorite, even if the Patriots continue a broader search.

“I’d be stunned if he didn’t get the job,” NBC Sports Boston reporter Phil Perry said Monday, adding that the “expectation” among league staff is that Wolf would be elevated to the position.

Still, New England must go through a formal process before hiring Wolf for the new position.

To comply with the NFL’s “Rooney Rule,” New England must interview at least two external minority candidates before making a final choice.

Two potential outside candidates, Cardinals vice president of player personnel Quentin Harris And Trey Brown of the Bengals (a senior personnel director), both have reportedly already said no to the opening.