A notable player on the New England Patriots offense is hoping the rumors about Mac Jones being moved are not try because he wants to see him back as the team’s starting quarterback in 2024.
After earning Pro Bowl honors in his rookie season, Mac Jones seemed primed to be a true heir apparent to Tom Brady for the Patriots. Yet things have changed quickly for the former Alabama star since the 2021 NFL season.
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In 2022 and 2023, Jones delivered disastrous results and he was benched multiple times as the team posted an 8-17 record over the last two seasons with him as the starting QB. It has put the position in flux heading into the offseason and new rumors that the 25-year-old will soon be sent packing from New England in a trade.
While most Patriots fans are ready to move on from Jones and hope the organization finds his replacement in the 2024 NFL Draft or free agency, one prominent player on their offense is hoping the signal caller gets one more chance to prove he can be a reliable starter in the league.
- Mac Jones stats (2023): 2,120 passing yards, 10 TD, 12 INT, 77.0 passer rating
JuJu Smith-Schuster supports idea of Mac Jones being New England Patriots starter in 2024
During a quick chat with TMZ Sports in Los Angeles on Friday, wide receiver Juju Schuster-Smith was asked about his QB from last season and publicly stated his hopes to play with him again in 2024.
“Honestly, my boy Mac, that’s my guy. I know at the end of the day it’s whatever the coaches decide to do but I think Mac’s still got it,” Smith-Schuster said. “I’m riding with Mac. I’m riding with my boy [Bailey] Zappe. Those are my boys. I came in throwing with those dudes. But, whatever happens, happens.”
It is interesting that JuJu Smith-Schuster has so much loyalty to Jones, and Zappe, after having a very disappointing season in the 11 games he played in during 2023. He was one of the biggest signings the team made last year when they signed him to a three-year, $25 million contract.
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