By Wes Long | Published | No Comments
According to the Boston Globe and multiple other sources, the New England Patriots are expected to trade quarterback Mac Jones to the Jacksonville Jaguars for a sixth round pick, as soon as the 2024 season officially begins on Wednesday March 13th.
The Patriots drafted Jones 15th overall in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Jones played well his rookie season, helping the Patriots to a 10-7 record and a wild card playoff appearance. The patriots were blown out by the Buffalo Bills in the first round of the playoffs, but Jones managed to snag a Pro Bowl honor in the process.
Jones second and third seasons in New England saw a steep decline as Jones was unable to sustain the success from his rookie season. The Patriots finished 8-9 in Jones second season, missing the playoffs by just one game.
Jones development was not helped by a curious decision of former Patriots head coach Bill Belichick who decided to allow former defensive coordinator Matt Patricia to design the offense and call plays. Patricia had no previous experience as an offensive play caller and the results showed on the field.
The Patriots ditched Patricia after the 2022 season and brought in Bill O’Brien to run the offense and try and get Jones back on track. Unfortunately, Jones regressed even further and was benched several times throughout the season before losing his starting job to backup quarterback Bailey Zappe mid way through the season.
Jones is set to earn $2.56 million in guaranteed salary for this upcoming season – his final season of his rookie contract unless the Jaguars pick up his fifth year option. Assuming the Jaguars do not pick up Jones fifth year option, he would become a free agent after this upcoming season.
Jones threw for 8,918 yards, 46 touchdowns and 36 interceptions, completing just over 66% of his passes in three seasons with the Patriots.
