In the free agency period, numerous experienced quarterbacks relocated to different teams. Additionally, several quarterback trades occurred, one of which marked the conclusion of Mac Jones’ time with the Patriots. The 2021 first-round pick was traded to the Jaguars last week, exchanged for a sixth-round pick. This move permits Jones to join his hometown team, offering him a new beginning after his less-than-stellar performance with the Patriots. He’ll take on the role of Trevor Lawrence’s backup for at least one season, while the Patriots will undergo a reset at the quarterback position. Jones recently shared his thoughts on the trade.
“We mutually agreed that parting ways was the best choice for both parties,” stated the 25-year-old, as reported by Doug Kyed of the Boston Herald. “For me, it was about moving forward and returning home, which I’m incredibly thrilled about. And for them, it’s about progressing and starting anew. So ultimately, that’s what we settled on, and I believe it’s a positive decision.”
Jones showed promise during his rookie season, but his performance dipped in his second year under the coaching of Matt Patricia and Joe Judge, leading to doubts about his future as a starting quarterback. Despite a coaching change that saw Bill O’Brien take over the Patriots’ offense in 2023, Jones failed to regain his form. Eventually, he was replaced by Bailey Zappe towards the end of the season, reinforcing the belief that he would be traded during the offseason.
As expected, the Patriots have moved on from Jones, now relying on Zappe, Nathan Rourke (acquired from the Jaguars), and veteran Jacoby Brissett as their quarterback options. With speculation rife that New England will select a quarterback with the third overall pick in the draft, it adds weight to Jones’ assertion that the trade was a mutual decision. Meanwhile, in Jacksonville, Jones will compete with veteran C.J. Beathard for the backup quarterback position.
