New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones’ future with the team is firmly up in the air following the departure of head coach Bill Belichick.
It’s not yet known what direction new head coach Jerod Mayo and Co. are going to go at quarterback. A first-round pick of the Patriots back in the 2021 NFL Draft, Jones fell out of favor with New England’s previous brass. He was benched multiple times during the 2023 season, ultimately posting a 2-9 record with 10 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.
We now have some more information on Jones heading into the start of the new league year next month. According to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport, the expectation is that New England will trade Jones this offseason.
“Even though Bill Belichick is gone, Mac Jones — who lost the starting role and ended up third string by the end of the 2023 season — is a trade candidate in the coming weeks and most likely will end up elsewhere for the 2024 season,” report on Mac Jones’ trade from the New England Patriots.
New England did not pick up the fifth-year option on Jones’ rookie contract for the 2025 season, meaning he’ll become a free agent after next season.
After a stellar rookie season in which he led New England to a surprise playoff appearance, Jones has regressed big time.
Mac Jones stats (2022-23): 65% completion, 5,117 yards, 24 TD, 23 INT
The question now is rather obvious. What type of market will the Patriots find when it comes to Jones on the trade block? He has not proven to be starter-caliber. And while multiple teams will be looking for a QB1 this offseason, the market will likely be somewhat dry.
Pure conjecture. But a team like the Las Vegas Raiders could make sense. They are likely set to release Jimmy Garoppolo next month and are looking to bring in competition for youngster Aidan O’Connell.