The Mac Jones era has come to a close for the New England Patriots.
With Jones being traded on Sunday to the Jacksonville Jaguars, reportedly for a sixth-round draft selection, the former Pats’ first-round pick (No. 15) overall is about to continue his football journey in the “Bold New City of the South.”
Though the end was almost universally expected, it comes with a bittersweet, hypothetical aura for New England. As such, their “new era” under first year head coach Jerod Mayo will include a new quarterback.
Following New England’s dismal 4-13 finish to the 2023 season, it was nearly impossible to envision a scenario in which Jones would be welcomed back to New England in 2024. After starting 11 games last season, Jones was displaced by Bailey Zappe as New England’s starter prior to the team’s Week 12 matchup with the Los Angeles Chargers — a game which they lost 6-0. He did not play a single snap for the rest of the season. In fact, Jones ended the season as the emergency third option on the depth chart for the Pats’ 17-3 loss to the New York Jets in their season-finale Gillette Stadium.
Despite an impressive rookie year in 2021, Jones has since struggled to recapture his previous success. During his inaugural campaign, Jones led all rookies with a 67.6 completion percentage and a 92.5 passer rating. He compiled 3,801 yards and 22 touchdowns — while completing at least 70 percent of his attempts in nine of New England’s games. For his efforts, Jones earned a selection to the Pro Bowl, as well as a spot on the PFWA's All-Rookie team, while leading the Pats to the playoffs.
Jones’ struggles began to surface in earnest during his second season. From a high ankle injury sidelining him for three games last October, to his palpable his discontent with the Pats offensive system under de factor coordinator Matt Patricia, Jones toiled through a campaign in which he ranked in the bottom 10 of NFL quarterbacks in completion percentage and positive plays when pressured.
The hiring of new offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien, prior to the start of this season, was expected to bring both Jones and the Pats offense back to the “basics” of football. However, Jones’ difficulties only continued to snowball. Through his 11 games in 2023, the 25-year-old completed 224 passes for 2,120 yards, with 10 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. The Pats 2021 first-round (No. 15 overall) draft selection routinely exhibited an inability to make sound decisions when most-needed. His struggles led to a foundering of both his confidence and his mechanics — as well as his being benched in five of New England’s games.
Simply put, Jones was put in an untenable position by the organization, without the individual skill set to reverse the ill fortune which would ultimately lead to his trade.
Though Jones’ regression ultimately led to an irreparable relationship with Belichick, seedlings of optimism began to surface with the arrival of New England’s new regime. With new coach Jerod Mayo hiring a new slate of coaches on offense — namely Alex Van Pelt as offensive coordinator — Jones’ reclamation in an “new look” offense appeared to be an option for the team at quarterback for the upcoming season. However, interest in keeping Jones in the Foxboro fold never gained any significant traction.
Accordingly, the Jacksonville native has the chance to resurrect his career in his hometown. Jones is presumably set to compete for the primary backup spot to starter Trevor Lawrence, who was selected No. 1 overall by the Jaguars, and 14 picks ahead of Jones by the Patriots.
For the Patriots, multiple reports have them taking a strong look at the quarterback position with their No. 3 overall selection. As a result, New England will remain linked to top positional options such as USC’s Caleb Williams, UNC’s Drake Maye and LSU’s Jayden Daniels. The team has also reportedly eyed Oregon’s Bo Nix and Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy.
New England may also choose to explore the free agent pool of quarterbacks. While the team is unlikely to be in the market for a top free agent option such as Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Baker Mayfield or Minnesota Vikings’ Kirk Cousins, the team has been rumored to have interest in Washington Commanders Jacoby Brissett, New York Giants Tyron Taylor, or Cleveland Browns reclamation project Joe Flacco.
Though Zappe played with greater confidence and play-making ability, he statistically did not fare much better than Jones. The second-year quarterback completed 63 percent of his passes for 1,272 yards, six touchdowns and nine interceptions. As such, he remains in the mix, at best, to be New England’s backup.
While the Patriots have not, and likely will not confirm their plans prior to the start of April’s draft, the pool of quarterback talent looks to be stocked well-enough for them to make the move at arguably the game’s most important position — sooner, rather than later.
What is certain, is those plans no longer require the services of Mac Jones.
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