Former Alabama quarterback Mac Jones was selected with the No. 15 overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft by the New England Patriots. Over the last two seasons, Jones has made one Pro Bowl and helped the franchise make the playoffs in 2021 through the wild card.
In 2022, Jones suffered a sprained ankle and was replaced by rookie Bailey Zappe. Under Zappe, the team saw some success while Jones was out with an injury. Upon returning, Jones was benched in favor of Zappe after three poor drives to open the game on primetime against the Chicago Bears.
Now, as the Patriots begin the 2023 offseason, a question has been raised: who will be the team’s quarterback to open the season? Though many would argue Jones over Zappe, there’s a growing belief that those within the organization believe Zappe can be QB1.
Recently, Albert Breer of the MMQB stated on 98.5 The Sports Hub’s “Zolak and Bertrand,” that Jones could be traded.
“I think they would [trade Jones],” Breer said. “Internally, I don’t know if they see this massive gap between Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe. I’m not saying they think Bailey’s as good as Mac, but there was some element of Bailey doing what he was coached to do last year that I think gave Bailey the edge to some degree for a little while there.
“So I think it’ll be interesting to see what would happen if a real offer came along. I don’t think a real offer is going to come along, but it’d be interesting to see what would happen if a real offer did come along.”
There’s no telling what type of trade value Jones brings to the table. Though there is plenty of tape on Jones, his career is still young and the situation he inherited wasn’t necessarily the best. After all, he did set records and was a Heisman finalist in his time at Alabama.
Roll Tide Wire will continue to follow Mac Jones and other former Alabama players now in the NFL as the 2023 offseason progresses.
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