Mac Jones' facing uncertain future with New England Patriots, per report
Mac Jones had his roughest season as a pro in 2023, and his future in New England is unclear, according to MassLive’s Mark Daniels.
Daniels dives into what has gone wrong for Jones in New England. The former Alabama quarterback had a standout rookie season in 2021 but played in just 11 games during 2023, falling to third string at the end of the season. Unsurprisingly, the former first-round pick could be on the move this offseason:
According to a source, the Patriots don’t plan on picking up Jones’ fifth-year option. The quarterback has a clean slate with (new head coach Jerod) Mayo and could remain on the roster, but the team won’t hesitate to move him if the right deal comes across their desk.
The fifth-year club option is from Jones’ rookie deal. Teams decide on the fifth year ahead of the player’s Year 4 with the club, meaning Jones could be brought back even if the club does not plan on keeping him for 2025.
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Daniels’ feature focuses on Jones’ relationship with Bill Belichick falling apart. The Patriots have had a different play-caller each of the past three seasons, and Jones did not take well to the lack of continuity.
Per Daniels, Jones would likely not be with the Patriots had Belichick returned for another season. With new head coach Jerod Mayo, Jones has a clean slate, but he will again be working with a new offensive coordinator as Bill O’Brien has gone back to college, joining the Ohio State staff.
As a rookie, Jones started all 17 games. The Patriots went 10-7 as Jones completed 67.6% of his passes for 3,801 yards with 22 touchdowns and 13 interceptions.
Jones started 14 times in 2022, missing three contests due to injury. He threw for just under 3,000 yards with a 14-to-11 touchdown-to-interception ratio. This past season, the Patriots went 2-9 in Jones’ 11 starts as he posted a 10-12 touchdown-to-interception ratio and career lows in multiple passing categories, including 6.1 yards per attempt.
Jones is due approximately $2.8 million in 2024 on his rookie deal of 4 years, $15.6 million.