Mac Jones is now adding to the 2021 NFL Draft representation at quarterback for the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The New England Patriots agreed to send their former first-round selection to the AFC South team on Sunday. Jones, once selected No. 15 overall, 14 spots after the Jags took Trevor Lawrence at No. 1, will soon team up with Lawrence as his potential backup. New England is gaining a sixth-round selection as part of the deal, per ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter.
The trade won’t officially process until Wednesday, March 13, when the 2024 league year officially begins. Jones also still must pass a physical to complete the deal. But along with joining a fellow ’21 class member, what will Jones make with the Jaguars?
Mac Jones’ Contract Details and Salary Impact
Jones isn’t anticipated to become a costly addition to the Jaguars.
The former Alabama Crimson Tide star quarterback is still on his rookie deal from the Patriots — a four-year agreement worth more than $15 million. But with the trade, the Pats carry a $4.95 million cap hit from Jones’ contract. He will count the same amount against the Jags’ salary cap.
As for what he’ll earn in 2024, Jones is set to earn a base salary of $2.75 million for the upcoming season, per Spotrac. His original Patriots deal additionally contained a fifth-year option, though that wasn’t guaranteed at the time of his rookie signing.
It’s not determined yet if the Jaguars would be willing to exercise his option for 2025. Jones is, from another perspective, playing on what comes off as a one-year deal with Jacksonville.
But for Jones, this presents a new, fresh start for him following a rigid tenure in Foxborough, Mass.
How Jones Can Fit Jacksonville, Especially Cap-Wise
Jones, once again, is soon to play alongside Lawrence. Even more unique for Jones, he’s returning to his hometown of Jacksonville, Fla., his place of birth.
He and Lawrence won’t be the only quarterbacks on the 2024 Jacksonville roster; C.J. Beathard was called into action when Lawrence briefly dealt with a late ankle injury. Beathard is currently on a two-year deal worth $4.5 million.
Signs point toward Jones and Beathard battling for the right to back up Lawrence, a battle likely to intensify in training camp.
Jacksonville, meanwhile, currently has more than $18 million left to work with under the team’s salary cap, according to OverTheCap.com. The Jaguars have already been active ahead of the ’24 free agency period, franchise-tagging star defensive end Josh Allen — which is set at $24 million — on March 5.
The Jaguars also have a huge decision to make on wide receiver Calvin Ridley, a free agent.
Ridley wasn’t franchise-tagged, while AFC South rival Michael Pittman Jr. by the Indianapolis Colts. Ridley slots as PFN’s No. 14-ranked free agent overall.
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But ahead of free agency, Jones will only count for less than $5 million towards the Jags’ salary cap. He’s coming in as a not-too-expensive option but also as a QB heading home to rebuild himself.
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