New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones appeared destined for success after a Pro Bowl appearance in his rookie season. But unfortunately, he found himself getting benched after some struggles last season. Now, recent reports suggest that he may be playing for a new team next season.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Patriots have been receiving calls from other teams around the NFL about Jones. And they are reportedly open to the idea of trading him.
The #Patriots appear open to trading QB Mac Jones and teams have been calling them and doing work on the former starter, sources say. With a new coaching staff, a fresh start may make sense for all sides. pic.twitter.com/UQtUoKZT8m
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 8, 2024
Fans took to social media to offer their reaction to this news, with many sharing potential destinations they believe Jones would be a good fit for Jones next year.
The way he responded to the past two seasons obviously didn’t help, but it’s a real shame how Mac was handled after his rookie season. Still just 25 years old.
Hopefully he lands in a healthy situation that allows him to regain his confidence and return to form. https://t.co/URezgOy92n
— Taylor Kyles (@tkyles39) March 8, 2024
This seems like the best path forward for both sides. It just didn’t work out here. Question now is what will be the return? My guess is a day three pick. https://t.co/dwGfQXn3Oh
— Evan Lazar (@ezlazar) March 8, 2024
This has been in motion since January and as we reported last week, it’s part of the plan to revamp their QB depth chart this offseason https://t.co/OdpvPOJUek
— Mark Daniels (@ByMarkDaniels) March 8, 2024
Sean Payton, you got your QB while you start your rebuild. https://t.co/B35mXfksf7
— 𝙆𝙖𝙨𝙚 (𝙋𝙂) (@verysadvikings) March 8, 2024
Mac Jones days as a starter are behind him but for a 7, I’d take him in LA as a backup. https://t.co/xVLQm8DeUT
— Lewis Wood (@DynastyPancake) March 8, 2024
It’s not exactly all that surprising to hear this report about Jones. The Patriots now have a new regime with Jerod Mayo as the new head coach, and he likely wants to bring in his own guy at the quarterback position moving forward.
It is interesting though because Mayo has already hinted heavily that they will be selecting a quarterback in the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft. And this news is further proof of that likely being the case.
What is unclear at the moment is what other teams around the NFL see Jones as. His rookie year was promising, but the last two seasons for Jones in New England obviously leave a lot to be desired in terms of being a starting quarterback in the NFL.
Regardless, it shouldn’t cost a ton of other teams to acquire Jones. And you can sure do worse than a former Pro Bowler as a potential bridge quarterback if you are a quarterback-needy team.
