Season’s end a bittersweet time for Meyers

FOXBOROUGH — Cameras clicked Monday as a clique of reporters surrounded Jakobi Meyers. As the soft-spoken Patriots receiver fielded questions, left tackle Trent Brown hollered, “We love you, Kobes!” as he strolled by.

It was an apt comment from Brown, as love was the vibe in the Patriots locker room while players packed their belongings with the 2022 season in the books. Though disappointment was still a theme, the bitterness of Sunday’s 35-23 loss had dissipated, and most players just wanted to enjoy one last day together.

“It’s kind of bad on the back, honestly, just carrying everything and packing it all up,” said Meyers. “You know, I’d rather play football than pack up my locker. But, I mean, it is kind of bittersweet just seeing everybody come in here and grab this stuff and head out at the same time, but it comes with the business.”

Meyers, the Patriots’ leading receiver each of the last two seasons, is a looming free agent but has expressed a desire to stay in New England. As much as he’d like to continue the season, he said the time to dwell on the loss had passed.

“I think if you don’t win the Super Bowl, ultimately you’re going to end the season disappointed,” said Meyers, who had 67 catches for 804 yards and 6 touchdowns this season. “So I would say yes [it’s disappointing], but at the same time, like I said, it’s bittersweet because I’m happy to see everybody.

“If this is the last time, you know, it’ll be great just seeing everybody getting their jerseys, talking to them, and laughing about the season.”

A new contract will be a hot topic for the 26-year-old Meyers soon enough, but right now, he has rest, relaxation, and recuperation on his mind.

“Honestly, I haven’t even really gotten to that point yet. I’ve been kind of hurt all year, you know, so I’m just more so just excited to get healthy, get a little rest, see my family. That’s probably the biggest thing,” said Meyers, who dealt with knee and shoulder issues this season. “Just go back to my family. After that I’ll probably figure out what’s next for me.”

Meyers also expressed support for quarterback Mac Jones, with whom he clearly has developed a rapport. Jones had some turbulent times in 2022, but Meyers never saw the quarterback lose his resolve.

“He continued to prove and just show who he was as a person, not even as a football player.

“I know one of my memories from the year was just seeing him out there playing while you hear other people chanting another quarterback’s name, you know, and that’s something tough to deal with,” said Meyers, referring to when fans bellowed for Bailey Zappe. “But he didn’t really complain, you know what I mean? He strapped his chin up the next play and went back to work. So, proud of him.’’

Tough first year

Cole Strange said it was “cool” to be able to say he started all 17 games as a rookie at left guard but he certainly was disappointed in how the season ended.

“I guess I shouldn’t say I haven’t been surprised with anything but I kind of focused my mind before I got here [that the first year] was going to be very difficult,” the first-round pick said. “It was going to be not just difficult physically, but in every regard — mentally, learning a new playbook, playing against guys that are the best in the world.

“I guess there’s no way to put it other than it was all tough. But I feel like I got better as the year went on, and I feel good moving forward.”

Strange said he would be going home to Tennessee for a bit before returning to New England.

Interest in Mayo

According to an ESPN report, the Browns have sought permission to interview Jerod Mayo for their defensive coordinator position. The Browns fired Joe Wood Monday and also are expected to interview former Patriots assistant and Dolphins head coach Brian Flores for the vacancy . . . Cornerback Jalen Mills, who last took the field on Thanksgiving in Minnesota, said he thought he was close to returning from his groin injury, but he just couldn’t turn the corner before time ran out on the season . . . Quarterback Brian Hoyer made a rare locker room appearance. He missed the final 13 games after being concussed early in his start at Green Bay.

A promise from Kraft

Patriots CEO Robert Kraft and his son, Patriots president Jonathan Kraft, sent an e-mail to season ticket-holders Monday making it clear changes must happen. “While we always want to be playing games with playoff implications in Week 18, our expectation was to perform better throughout the season and advance through the playoffs,” the letter read. “We can assure you that no one in our organization is satisfied with the results from this past season.” The letter also states they intend to review the team from top to bottom. “In the weeks ahead, we will be making critical evaluations of all elements of our football operation as we strive to improve and return to the playoffs next year,” it said . . . The Patriots hold the 14th pick in the 2023 draft after finishing 8-9. If they stay there, it will be their highest pick since they chose Mayo at No. 10 in 2008. The Patriots have eight draft picks: one in the first, second, and third rounds; two in the fourth; and three in the sixth. They also are expected to receive multiple compensatory picks, which will be awarded in March.