Looks like Bailey Zappe is on board with the New England Patriots’ decision to trade quarterback Mac Jones to the Jacksonville Jaguars. At least that’s what his recent social media activity suggests!
NFL insider Adam Schefter reported this Sunday that the Jacksonville native is finally going home after spending his first three seasons with the Patriots as a quarterback, in exchange for a sixth-round pick this upcoming offseason.
Regardless of the fact of how well this trade would work for Jones or the Patriots, it sure comes as a box of treasure for Zappe, given he no longer has to compete for the playing time with Jones. And liking the NFL’s post on Instagram about Jones’ trade to the Jaguars just proves Zappe’s approval.
On the other hand, the 25-year-old would now join as a backup to the Jaguars’ starting quarterback Trevor Lawrence . Under his reign as a starting quarterback, New England struggled miserably – recording a dismal 2-9 last season. That’s when head coach Bill Belichick betted his coins at Zappe, and Jones was demoted to emergency quarterback.
Heading into the 2024 season, the Patriots are starting afresh with new head coach Jerod Mayo and will likely draft a quarterback this offseason. Top contenders are Jayden Daniels and J.J. McCarthy as the franchise enters its rejuvenating era.
Mac Jones’ struggles in subsequent seasons
When Tom Brady left the Patriots for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Belichick hand-picked Jones to be a successor of the seven-time Super Bowl champion. For the first season, it seemed just the right choice as he led the team straight to the postseason.
In his rookie season, he was honored with a Pro Bowl and established his game among the league’s All-Star players. Also, it was the first time since Brady’s departure that the Patriots qualified for the playoffs.
However, it lasted just for that one season as the Alabama Crimson Tide product majorly struggled in his second and third seasons, to the extent that he recorded 8-17 in his final two seasons. In his third season with the Patriots, he was benched numerous times for 2022 NFL Draft fourth-round pick Zappe.
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