Patriots GM Search: Latest News, Vacancy Rumors

Patriots GM search: Latest vacancy news and rumors originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

The New England Patriots have begun the search for the next head of their football operations department.

Scouting director Eliot Wolf has served as New England's de facto general manager since Bill Belichick's departure in January. Wolf was the primary decision-maker during NFL free agency and the draft, where the Patriots selected the franchise's potential next face in quarterback Drake Maye, third overall.

Unsurprisingly, our Phil Perry reports that Wolf is the “overwhelming favorite” to be officially named the Patriots' next primary football manager. However, the Patriots must abide by the Rooney Rule, which requires all NFL teams to interview at least two minority candidates for head coach, general manager and executive positions.

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Until the Patriots announce their next front office leader, you can stay up to date on all the rumored candidates with our tracker below:

May 7th: MMQB's Albert Breer reports that the Patriots are interviewing Philadelphia Eagles scouting director Brandon Hunt for the position.

May 7th: According to the MMQB's Albert Breer, Buffalo Bills director of player personnel Terrance Gray declined the Patriots' offer to interview for the football executive position.

May 6th: According to NFL Media's Tom Pelissero, Cincinnati Bengals senior personnel manager Trey Brown declined the Patriots' request to interview for the position.