The Patriots are making moves to refine their roster ahead of Wednesday’s new league year, as reported by Adam Schefter. It’s been revealed that the team is in the final stages of negotiating a trade that will send their 2021 first-round pick, Mac Jones, to his hometown team, the Jacksonville Jaguars.
According to Schefter, discussions between the Patriots and Jaguars include a potential sixth-round pick as compensation.
Trade: Patriots are finalizing a deal to send QB Mac Jones to the Jacksonville Jaguars, sources tell ESPN. The trade cannot be processed until the new league year begins Wednesday and he passes a physical. The two sides were discussing a 6th-round pick, per sources.
It’s a disappointing turn of events for Mac Jones, whose promising rookie season led the Patriots back to the playoffs and earned him a Pro Bowl nod.
However, subsequent seasons saw a decline in his performance, particularly following the departure of offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels.
Under the leadership of Matt Patricia and Joe Judge in 2022, Jones struggled, throwing fewer touchdowns and battling interceptions. Despite improving his interception count to 11, he managed just 14 touchdowns.
The Patriots missed the playoffs, with Jones finishing with a 6-8 record as a starter, sidelined for three games due to an ankle injury sustained in a competitive matchup against Baltimore.
In 2023, despite the addition of established offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien, the Patriots couldn’t halt the offense’s downward spiral.
Mac Jones struggled, posting a 2-9 record as a starter and eventually getting benched for backup Bailey Zappe for the team’s final six games.
The Patriots’ offensive woes were reflected in their rankings, finishing 31st in points scored, 30th in total yards gained, and 29th in DVOA (Defense-adjusted Value Over Average), signaling significant struggles across the board.
The trade should come as a welcome opportunity for Jones, given his roots in the Jacksonville area where he excelled at the Bolles School under the guidance of legendary coach Corky Rogers.
Returning to familiar surroundings may facilitate a smoother transition for Jones as he embarks on a fresh start.
Now, Jones will aim to reset as a backup behind Trevor Lawrence, the quarterback selected first overall in the same draft class.
With Mac Jones departing, the Patriots’ quarterback depth chart will feature Bailey Zappe and Nathan Rourke for the time being.
However, the team will have intriguing options to explore in free agency, as the tampering period begins on Monday, allowing teams to negotiate deals.
Potential bridge quarterbacks like Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew could be considered, while starting options such as Kirk Cousins and Baker Mayfield might be explored if the team decides to pursue a different direction.
In terms of the draft, mock drafts primarily oscillate between UNC’s Drake Maye and LSU’s Jayden Daniels as potential picks for the Patriots. Many anticipate that New England will use their third overall pick to secure a long-term impact starter at the quarterback position, aiming to replace what they had hoped to find in Jones.