Mac Jones’ time with the New England Patriots reportedly is over.
New England on Sunday agreed to send the embattled quarterback to the Jacksonville Jaguars, according to multiple reports. Jones was selected by the Patriots in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft and spent three seasons as New England’s starting QB.
Mac Jones Reportedly Traded to Jaguars
Adam Schefter of ESPN was the first to report the news of the Jones trade. NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport and CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones corroborated Schefter’s report.
Mac Jones played high school football at The Bolles School in Jacksonville, Florida. Now he will get to play for the Jaguars, backing up Trevor Lawrence. https://t.co/GdUEFw4Iql
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 10, 2024
Schefter reported that the deal won’t be finalized until the start of the NFL’s new league year on Wednesday. Trade compensation wasn’t determined at the time of this writing, but the Patriots and Jaguars reportedly were “finalizing” a deal that would send a sixth-round draft pick to New England.
Rapoport added that four teams were “in the mix” for Jones, although Jonathan Jones reported that, as of late Sunday morning, the Jaguars were the only team to present an actual offer.
Jones, 25, grew up in Jacksonville and seemingly now will serve as Trevor Lawrence’s top backup.
The Alabama product enjoyed an impressive rookie campaign in 2021 and looked like New England’s next franchise quarterback. But coaching dysfunction undermined Jones in 2022, and a variety of factors — including his own shortcomings — led to a dreadful season in 2023.
A fresh start was best for all involved.
What Does Mac Jones Trade Mean for Patriots?
The deal doesn’t guarantee much other than Jones’ turbulent Patriots career is over, and that New England will have a new starting quarterback in 2024.
But who will that quarterback be? How will the Patriots go about addressing their need at football’s most important position?
New England Owns No. 3 Pick in NFL Draft
Multiple reports indicate the Patriots plan to select a quarterback with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. However, there are varying opinions on who could be available at No. 3, and which quarterbacks New England feels are worthy of being drafted at that spot.
Most mock drafts have UNC’s Drake Maye going second overall to the Washington Commanders and LSU’s Jayden Daniels going to the Patriots at No. 3. However, a recent report indicates New England might consider using the third pick to draft Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy.
Some experts also believe Daniels could land in Washington, with Maye potentially being available at No. 3. It’s unclear whether the Patriots believe Maye still is worthy of a top-three pick following his relatively disappointing 2023 season.
As for Daniels, recent rumors suggested he isn’t high on playing for a team in the Northeast. But the Heisman Trophy winner shot down those rumors in a post on the X platform.
Ultimately, the Patriots likely will replace Jones by selecting a quarterback in the draft. But they’ll have options with the No. 3 pick, including trading down and selecting a QB later in the first round.
Patriots Could Pursue a QB in Free Agency
It’s a safe bet that New England will sign a quarterback in free agency. But will that player be a projected starter, a backup, or a combination of the two?
The Patriots reportedly are interested in pending free agent Baker Mayfield — but the feeling isn’t mutual. There haven’t been any indications that New England is considering a run at Kirk Cousins.
The more likely outcome is the Patriots signing a veteran backup who’s capable of starting if a rookie isn’t ready at the end of training camp. Jacoby Brissett, who began his career in New England, reportedly will be considered, although Ryan Tannehill and Gardner Minshew are other intriguing options set to hit the open market.
The Patriots can sign a non-Cousins veteran QB this week and absolutely stay at No. 3 and draft a rookie QB
— Jonathan Jones (@jjones9) March 10, 2024
The Patriots also could have third-year QB Bailey Zappe start early in the season. Zappe started the final six games last season after Jones was benched amid plummeting performance.
KEEP READING: 2024 NFL Top 100 Free Agent Rankings
One thing we know for certain: New England’s quarterback room will look much different next season, and Jones won’t be in it.
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