Bill Belichick insisted with the Boston media that the New England Patriots will stick with Mac Jones as the starting quarterback, despite his fourth-quarter benching versus the New Orleans Saints.
However, one insider reported on Thursday that there’s a veteran lined up right away if Jones struggles against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 6.
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Who Could Replace Mac Jones If He Continues To Struggle?
Per Greg Bedard of the Boston Sports Journal Tuesday, former Dallas Cowboys backup QB Will Grier is on deck if Jones doesn’t cut it.
“From talking to people around the team, I think if Mac Jones doesn’t succeed this week, if he doesn’t retain his job, I think it’s Will Grier’s,” Bedard said on 98.5 The Sports Hub.
Grier, 28, hasn’t been with the Patriots long. He joined the team’s practice squad on Sept. 22 after being claimed from the Cincinnati Bengals.
MORE: New England Patriots Depth Chart
Grier, though, became a preseason star with the Cowboys as he tossed 305 passing yards, two touchdown passes, and rushed for two more in his final appearance against the Raiders. He had a tearful postgame interview session with reporters as he had learned he would be a part of the final roster cuts before the game.
That same week, the Cowboys acquired former San Francisco 49ers top-five draft pick Trey Lance via trade.
Jones’ Hot Seat Temperature Is Intensifying
Belichick claimed his reasoning for benching Jones had more to do with the score and not his performance against the Saints.
Still, Jones delivered the kind of outing that sparked strong criticism from his fans and national analysts alike, completing just 12 of his 22 passes for 110 yards, zero touchdowns, and two interceptions. One of his interceptions came back for a Saints touchdown.
Jones also was sacked twice, including one where New England lost 13 yards on the play. Since throwing for 316 yards in the season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles, Jones’ yardage has declined each week.
The eight-time Super Bowl winner Belichick sounds like he’s still all-in on Jones. But if Bedard’s report is any indication, Jones needs a big step forward at Allegiant Stadium if he wants to keep his QB1 status moving forward.
