Has Patriots' Mac Jones lost trade value since end of season?

It was reported in late January that the New England Patriots could "maybe" get a fourth-round draft pick in return for quarterback Mac Jones either before, during or after this year's player-selection process. 

Patriots beat writer Chris Mason of MassLive sounds unconvinced teams around the NFL have such a high valuation on Jones ahead of spring. 

"I’d guess a low fifth-rounder or a high sixth," Mason said about Jones' trade value for a mailbag posted on Friday. "I’ve spoken to a number of coaches from around the league that liked Jones in the pre-draft process, but at this point, what you see is what you get. The 2021 first-rounder has regressed in back-to-back seasons and his confidence appears to be totally shot."

It's also possible Jones has lost value on the trade market because clubs around the NFL know he's in the final weeks/months of his New England tenure. 

Mock drafts posted by outlets such as ESPN, CBS Sports and Walter Football routinely predict the Patriots will spend this year's third overall draft pick on Jones' replacement. 

Jones' relationships with at least some New England teammates may be damaged beyond repair, and it's thought both the club and Jones could benefit from a parting of ways. 

Mason added the fact that Jones only has one year left on his rookie contract and it likely impacts what New England would get in return for his services. 

There's no reason to believe any team would exercise the fifth-year option for 2025 attached to Jones' deal before the May 2 deadline. 

ESPN's Mike Reiss reported earlier in the week that "high-ranking team officials" think former Patriots head coach Bill Belichick "contributed to sabotaging Jones' development and crushing his confidence" with several curious moves, such as having the 25-year-old play under assistants Matt Patricia and Joe Judge during the 2022 season. 

Reiss also pointed out that "some within the organization seem hopeful Jones can make a U-turn in New England," but Mason acknowledged that he'd "be stunned if" the Patriots would reject an offer of a fourth-round draft pick for Jones this offseason. 

Interestingly, Mason believes the Patriots could enter training camp with a rookie, a different veteran and Jones in their quarterback room. 

Jones' salary for 2024 is relatively inexpensive even for a backup, so New England could choose to hold onto him rather than sell him for pennies on the dollar.