Patriots to trade QB Mac Jones to the Jaguars
The New England Patriots are finalizing a deal to trade quarterback Mac Jones to the Jacksonville Jaguars according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. Schefter adds the compensation being discussed is a sixth round pick. All trades will not be official until the new league year starts on Wednesday March 13th at 4 p.m.
Jones tenure with the Patriots was a roller coaster. In 2021, his rookie year, Jones threw for 3,801 yards for 22 yards and 13 interceptions. New England went 10-7 and made it to the playoffs. After that, his career has gone downhill.
Former head coach Bill Belichick brought in defensive coordinator Matt Patricia, after his previous Josh McDaniels left to coach the Las Vegas Raiders. Patricia, was a defensive mind and was not in a position to help second year quarterback to make that next leap.
After a disaster 2022, where Jones threw only for 2,922 yards and 14 touchdown to 11 interceptions, the once promising rookie hit a rough patch. New England moved on from Patricia and brought in Bill O’Brien to run the offense, who Jones knew at his time at Alabama.
Unfortunately, Jones statistically regressed. He threw more interceptions than touchdowns and ultimately got benched for Bailey Zappe after a 2-8 start. Zappe did not change much as the Patriots finished with an abysmal 4-13 record.
While, Jones certainly had a multitude of bad throwing decisions, he was not put in the best position. Letting his number one target walk out the door in Jakobi Meyers and failing to address a depleted offsensive line did not help the former 2021 first round pick.
The 25-year old, who is a free agent next offseason, will get a fresh restart. He will now backup Trevor Lawrence in Jacksonville. Lawrence was selected first overall in the same draft as Jones.
The Patriots will look to reset at the quarterback position as they possess the third overall pick and the most cap space in the NFL.
