Patriots' Bill Belichick reportedly 'all-in' on Mac Jones amid Tom Brady rumors

It appears New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick may not be all that interested in a reunion with Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady.

The Athletic's Jeff Howe raised eyebrows on Wednesday when he offered multiple reasons why Brady could sign with the Patriots as a free agent this coming offseason and once again play under Belichick. According to Dakota Randall of NESN, ESPN’s Mike Reiss made it known during an appearance on 98.5 The Sports Hub that Belichick remains high on second-year signal-caller Mac Jones. 

"Full commitment to Mac," Reiss said of Belichick's relationship with his current starter. "Like, make no mistake about it. They are all-in on Mac. So, as we talk about this, I wouldn’t want anything to ever come across as if, like, they were second-guessing that position." 

Reiss was then asked to clarify who he was referring to when he said "they." 

"I think Belichick and the players," Reiss responded. 

Jones missed time this fall with an ankle injury and has largely looked lackluster throughout his sophomore season. Per ESPN stats, the 24-year-old began Thursday 23rd among qualified quarterbacks with an 87.3 passer rating and 28th with a 35.2 total QBR on the campaign. In eight games, he's thrown six touchdown passes and seven interceptions. 

To compare, Brady is 15th with a 92.4 passer rating, tied for 17th with a 53.9 total QBR and fourth with 3,051 passing yards. The 45-year-old has 14 touchdown passes and only two interceptions. 

Brady featured for the Patriots under Belichick from 2000 through the 2019 season until he signed with the Buccaneers in March 2020. Together, the famous duo won six Super Bowl titles. It's unknown if Brady has any interest in returning to New England or playing for any team beyond the ongoing campaign. 

Jones and the 6-5 Patriots host the 8-3 Buffalo Bills on Thursday night.