Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

New Patriots OC Alex Van Pelt answers key question about Mac Jones' future with team

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Sophie Weller | Last updated 2/21/24

Mac Jones' future with the New England Patriots is one of the main questions heading into the 2024 season.

And it seems that the coaching staff has yet to decide on the matter.

New offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt spoke with the media for the first time since accepting the job with the Patriots, and was asked if Jones will be the starting quarterback next season.

“Really, right now, everything is on the table. As we go through this process, these last couple weeks, 10 days have just been diving into who are. Trying to evaluate our guys,” Van Pelt said. “We’re trying to understand who we have here as well as looking at other players out there. But right now, everything is on the table and we’re just still working through that process. When that time comes (to decide on a quarterback), I’m sure it’ll be a collaborative effort and we’ll make the right decisions.”

Can you see Mac Jones being the starting QB next season?

Alex Van Pelt: “Really right now anything is on the table.”
— Sophie Weller (@sophieewellerr) February 21, 2024

So with that, everyone gets a new start. And that includes Jones.

“I think the best thing for everybody is it’s going to be a fresh start for everybody,” Van Pelt added. “I’ve talked to a couple guys already. Coming in with a clean slate and no preconceived expectations or notions of who these guys are and then we’ll build it from the ground up.”

Jones had a promising rookie season, but took a serious decline his second and third year. And because of that, many believe that his time in New England came to an end when former head coach Bill Belichick decided to officially bench the quarterback in favor of Bailey Zappe.

So the question of a potential trade remains on the table.

But with Van Pelt's answer, it also seems Jones staying is a real possibility.

We'll just have to wait and see.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: