Mac Jones regressed throughout the 2022-23 NFL season and the New England Patriots struggled at times as a result.
While the instability around the team's offensive coordinator position no doubt played a role in Jones’ woes, he also struggled to stay healthy and seemed to clash with the coaching staff on repeat.
For large swaths of the season, Patriots head coach Bill Belichick seemed to have a fonder impression of backup Bailey Zappe, who stepped into Jones’ shoes and found success on several occasions.
This week, Pro Football Talk insider Mike Florio reported that the relationship between Jones and Belichick appears headed in the wrong direction.
So much so, in fact, that a trade might on the horizon.
According to Florio, four teams have quietly emerged as potential suitors for Jones’ services.
“The teams mentioned as potential destinations were the [Las Vegas] Raiders, [Houston] Texans, [Tampa Bay] Buccaneers, and [Washington] Commanders,” he wrote.
Each of those squads has a long-term need for quarterback.
While the Raiders gave Jimmy Garoppolo a three-year, $73 million contract this season, he is a game manager, rather than a franchise quarterback.
Houston has the No. 2 overall pick and may watch the Carolina Panthers scoop away their preferred young quarterback. If that happens, they could shift their focus toward a receiver or edge rusher while trying to acquire someone like Jones via the trade market.
The Bucs brought Baker Mayfield aboard this summer, but he has a very short leash. And the team has been known for big quarterback moves in the recent past, if it needs to be said..
And the Commanders need someone to helm the offense, after the failed Carson Wentz experiment from last year and the departure of Taylor Heinicke.
So will Jones be the answer for one of those teams? Time will tell, but if he is truly on the wrong side of Belichick, his days in New England may well be numbered.
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